When Jota returns for Celtic, he will be like a new signing…for the third time

Earlier this week, the news was confirmed that Felipe Jota would not kick a ball for Celtic this season.

Martin O’Neill suggested that he may be ready for pre-season.

It is almost a year since he ruptured his cruciate ligament at Tannadice last season, as Celtic wrapped up the title in much better style than our last visit to that ground with a 5-0 win.

It seems that those good memories, as well as the last time we saw Jota kick a ball, happened an eternity ago.

I think if you asked Jota himself if he imagined he’d find himself where he does today after he took to the field at Tannadice that day, even he would shake his head.

I’m sure underneath it he despairs at what has happened to him, and the club he loves.

There is no doubting his love for Celtic.

That was confirmed when he returned for a second time in January of last year.

It seemed back then he was returning to his spiritual home.

Its just a shame that his dream turned into a nightmare.

Watching from the stands this season, he must be in disbelief at what has happened to Celtic.

That has to be further compounded by the length of time his injury recovery is taking.

He celebrated his 27th birthday last Monday.

Right now, he should be at the peak of his powers.

Instead, he has been going through a long and arduous injury recovery at Celtic.

But with a huge rebuild required at Celtic this summer, Jota’s return to pre-season – at this point – would almost resemble a new signing.

The left wing has been sorely lacking this season.

And while we have seen flashed of brilliance from Sebastian Tounekti, he hasn’t quite shown the consistency to put him anywhere the level of Jota in his pomp during his first season at Celtic.

The beauty of Jota is that he can also switch to the right wing, where can be just as devastating.

Who can forget his amazing cross from the right for Liel Abada to score the winner against Dundee United in February 2022?

That was a crucial victory for Celtic back then.

It put us in a position to go top of the table for the first time if we could beat the Ibrox side the following Wednesday.

And what about his amazing ball for Daizen Maeda from the right in the Scottish Cup Semi-Final back in 2023?

There is no doubting his effectiveness on both wings.

He is a player we really could have done with this season.

Even if we only had him for the latter half of the campaign.

His ability would have made a huge difference for us.

This is why when he returns for pre-season, I feel like he’ll be like a new signing for the club.

I don’t think there’s a Celtic fan out there who won’t be delighted to see him back in the hoops.

Jota is one of those players who gets what the club is all about.

When he returns, you get the feeling that after everything he’s gone through, his bond with the club and it’s support will only have strengthened.

Whether we are Champions or not, he’s a player we’ll need next season.

We’ll need him to spearhead our recovery.

Because its going to be a hell of a recovery.

Just imagine the roar he’s going to get when he first takes to the pitch for Celtic?

When that happens, I’m sure he’ll feel like he’s returned home again.

For the third time.

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