Celtic told to accept Benfica’s Jota demands after Sky update – pundit
Alex McLeish has urged Celtic to bow down to Benfica’s demands in talks over a permanent deal for Jota.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Scotland manager insisted the Bhoys need to do what they can to tie the 23-year-old down after his “outstanding” temporary spell.
As reported by Sky Sports last week (25 May), negotiations are ongoing with Benfica wanting a significant sell-on percentage clause included in a potential deal.
The clubs reportedly agreed an option-to-buy clause worth over £6million when he signed for the Bhoys on loan.
McLeish heralded the Portuguese winger as an “instrumental” part of Celtic’s title-winning campaign.
He suggested the Hoops should accept a sell-on clause to get a permanent deal over the line.
McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I think give them it. I think it’s a no brainer.
“He has been outstanding for them and very instrumental in them winning that league.
“Why not do a deal? it’s a kind of safe way to get him sign on the dotted line. I would say definitely Celtic should do some kind of deal.”
Jota scored 13 goals and contributed 14 assists during the 2021/22 campaign.
All but three of his strikes came in his 29 Premiership appearances for the Hoops.
He played a total of 40 times across all competitions, six more times than he has turned out for parent club Benfica.
His last appearances for the Portuguese giants came back in August 2020, with the winger sent on loan to Real Valladolid for the 2020/21 season.