'Set to sign...' - Journalist drops big Celtic transfer update involving 'unbelievable' player

Scotsman journalist Barry Anderson has provided an update regarding Celtic and the pursuit of on-loan Benfica forward Jota. 

Signed on loan from the Primeira Liga giants for the duration of the 2021/22 campaign, the 23-year-old has been an outstanding capture for the Hoops, ranking as their best performer going by Whoscored match ratings..

The deal that brought the Portuguese youth starlet to Celtic Park is believed to contain a £6.3million option-to-buy clause at the end of the season.

However, following doubts about whether Jota would make the permanent switch, it appears that a major hurdle has now been overcome…

Taking to Twitter, Anderson, who writes for The Scotsman, has claimed that the Glasgow club are moving towards the deal’s completion.

“Celtic set to sign Jota permanently from Benfica for £6.3m (€7.5m). The winger is happy to stay in Scotland and Benfica expect the buyout clause in his loan deal to be activated by CFC.”

Previously, journalist Alex Goncalves has described the inclusion of an option-to-buy as an ‘absolute travesty and incredibly poor management’ from Benfica.

So far this season Jota – recently hailed as ‘unbelievable’ by Ange Postecoglou – has scored 12 times and provided another 12 assists in 37 appearances across all competitions, including a crucial goal in Sunday’s Old Firm.

The versatile winger has also created 14 big chances, completed 1.4 successful dribbles per game and taken 2.7 shots per game, underlining the Portuguese ace’s importance to Postecoglou’s side as the Bhoys stand on the brink of title glory.

For the mooted fee, 18-cap Portugal Under 21 starlet Jota is a bargain capture and one that will undoubtedly delight the Parkhead faithful should he indeed commit his permanent