John Hartson reacts to possible Celtic return for Jota amid Al-Ittihad issues

John Hartson has played down Jota’s chances of making a sensational return to Celtic after only leaving this summer.

Celtic’s Treble-winning hero jumped on the ever-growing train of the Saudi Pro League by moving to Al-Ittihad in July for £25 million, as reported by Sky Sports.

It was money Celtic just couldn’t turn down, even though it surprised many.

Hartson made it clear that fans would be ‘delighted’ if Jota were to return, but he just can’t see it happening, as he told Go Radio.

This comes after suggestions that the 24-year-old might have to leave Al-Ittihad because they have ten foreign players on their books, but league rules state that they are only allowed to register eight and it has put ex-Bhoys star in the firing line.

Added to that, given that money is no object for the Saudis, then they can allow such an asset to leave, even though they have just paid a lot of money for him.

Either way, it has brought up the subject of Celtic, who are in need of boosting their squad this summer, taking back a player that served them so well, with Hartson sharing his thoughts.

“Celtic aren’t in the market to pay players half their wages or if they can get Jota for a limited wage structure (given that he’s on a reported £200k-a-week),” said Hartson.

“I am not sure (about a return for Jota). It would be a great move for the Celtic fans. They would be delighted.

On if Celtic fans would truthfully be delighted with Jota returning considering he left? “What, bringing Jota back? Of course, they would.

“He had to leave. Look at the money Celtic had for him on the back of a couple of seasons.”

Jota return unlikely, but would be sensational

That League Cup defeat at Kilmarnock has got some fans anxious and raised the question of why more players haven’t been brought in this summer.

Given that Rodgers is looking to boost his forward line and take the pressure off Kyogo, then the club surely have to enquire about the Jota situation.

Yes, it’s pretty unlikely he returns, even on loan, but who would have thought that he would end up in Saudi, in the first place, and then end up in this situation?

Jota returning would be sensational and it would lift a questioning fanbase, and if it doesn’t happen, then there is no harm.

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The winger has been touted with a return to Celtic Park with The Black Cats reportedly lining up a replacement.

A return to Celtic has been floated for Patrick Roberts – and supporters hoping to see the winger back at Parkhead may already have their answer.

The 26-year-old is flying high with Sunderland and that has reportedly caught the eye of Brendan Rodgers as he looks to add to his options before the end of the summer window. Roberts moved to the east end of Glasgow on loan from Manchester City in January 2016 when Ronny Deila at the Parkhead helm before Rodgers a brought the attacker back for a second stint away from the English Premier League champions.

The winger went on to have a succession of further loan spells with clubs such as Girona, Norwich City, Middlesbrough, Derby County and Troyes, but made a permanent exit last summer for the English Championship side. But reports now suggest he could be set to leave the Stadium of Light before September 1 with a “growing interest” from Celtic and Southampton also “considering” a move.

The Newcastle Chronicle report that Crystal Palace kid Jesurun Rak-Sakyi has been lined up a replacement for Roberts with an exit on the cards – and the the forward’s connection with Rodgers could prove to be a trump card in the signing race. Speaking to the Athletic last year, Roberts declared the Celtic boss had a major impact on his career: “I didn’t really know what to expect at Celtic and I didn’t play for the first couple of months.

“I played reserve games and stuff, then got an opportunity and ended up scoring about six goals and winning the league. Then they changed managers and Brendan Rodgers came in.

“He was great, helped me a lot, played me a lot, tried to improve my game. I really felt I belonged somewhere and with a manager who takes care of his players, not just me.

“He wanted to improve us, not just for Celtic, but in general. I felt that. Celtic is one of the best times of my career, playing every week for a big club, winning trophies, playing in big games.

“For a kid, it was an amazing opportunity and I felt at home at Celtic. I’ll always support Celtic, I’ll always have a connection. I was there two and a half years but that will last a lifetime. I hope I can do something here that’s as important.”