Struggling Jota is reportedly “expected” to leave Stade Rennes amid murmurs over a return to Celtic.
The winger is in limbo just six months into his Ligue 1 adventure having dropped down the pecking order at the club following the arrival of Jorge Sampaoli – who has publicly criticised the fitness levels of the 25-year-old amid questions over the Portuguese forward’s ability to fit into the football philosophy of the Argentine boss. Sampaoli has yet to hand Jota a start since his arrival at the club last month – replacing Julian Stephen – withOuest-France now reporting that the wide man is on a list of players that could be sold.
The shortlists is also said to include former Rangers man Glen Kamara. He left Leeds United for the French side in the summer but also appears to be surplus to requirements. It is claimed that the club are “open to offers” for the players on the list and “expect” the players to leave – which also include Henrik Meister, Baptiste Santamaria and Christopher Wooh. It’s noted that a “temporary” loan exit for the fringe men could also be on the table.
The struggle for Jota comes just after a nightmare spell with Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League. The £25million Celtic exit proved to be ill-fated but the attacker – leaving after a year and attempting to kickstart his career in the French top flight.
Michael Stewart reckons that could tee up the Hoops for a bargain – telling the Scottish Football Social Club: “There is also a wee bit of murmur and chat about Jota again at Stade Rennes. The new manager has come in and has seemed to suggest that Jota is not fully fit but that’s he’s an important player.
“These types of players for that sort of money you can potentially get them for, they are few and far between. Jota for £5-6million? There are not many players like that who are available that also have a connection and know what the club is all about.”