Celtic has finalised the return of Jota, while Kyogo has transferred to Rennes.

Celtic has finalised the return of Jota, while Kyogo has transferred to Rennes.Celtic has successfully facilitated the return of Jota from Rennes, while Kyogo Furuhashi has concluded a transfer in the reverse direction.

Japanese striker Kyogo, who transferred to Celtic in the summer of 2021 concurrently with Jota, has secured a two-and-a-half-year contract with the club currently positioned third from the bottom in Ligue 1. Jota departed from Celtic in July 2023 for a reported transfer fee of £25 million;

however, he has not secured a position as a regular starter at Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League, nor has he established himself within a Rennes team currently experiencing a streak of five consecutive defeats. The 25-year-old has entered into a five-and-a-half-year contract with the Scottish champions, who currently maintain a 10-point advantage at the summit of the Premiership.

“The past eighteen months have presented a series of challenges and triumphs; however, such is the nature of life and the sport of football,” he stated on Celtic’s official website. “Now I just can’t wait to work hard, to get along with the lads again and just to flow.”

Jota initially joined Celtic on a loan basis from Benfica in September 2021. Following a successful season, the Glasgow club exercised a reported option to purchase him for £6.5 million the subsequent summer. He played a pivotal role in assisting Celtic in achieving the treble during the 2022-23 season, having netted 28 goals in 83 appearances prior to his departure for Saudi

Jots, who has made 19 appearances for Al-Ittihad and 10 for Rennes, characterised his return as “profoundly nostalgic.” “The most commendable aspect of Glasgow, apart from Celtic, is undoubtedly its inhabitants.

I find myself in need of a locale imbued with character, where I can truly feel at home,” he remarked.He was acquired by Celtic under the management of Ange Postecoglou; however, he asserts that the current manager, Brendan Rodgers, played a pivotal role in his decision to return.

“We engaged in highly constructive discussions characterised by candour, and ultimately, we fostered a mutual belief in one another,” he stated. “I believe it is an exceptionally exhilarating opportunity to collaborate with an individual who has accomplished so much and who is imparting considerable joy and happiness to the Celtic community.”

On Friday, Rodgers disclosed that 30-year-old Kyogo, who transitioned to Scotland from Vissel Kobe in his native Japan, had expressed his intention to conclude his three-year tenure at Celtic Park several months prior. The forward stated on Rennes’ official website: “I was seeking a new challenge in a prestigious league.” Both physically and technically,

the division exhibits a high level of competitiveness.The club currently finds itself in a markedly different position compared to previous seasons, and our objective will be to ascend the league rankings once again. Kyogo has achieved an impressive tally of 85 goals in 165 appearances for Celtic, with Rennes’ sporting director,

Frederic Massara, highlighting his exceptional finishing abilities and commendable work ethic. “He possesses an extensive array of international experience, including participation in the Champions League, and is well-acquainted with the demands of competing at the highest level,” he further remarked.

“This initiative will assist the team and offer innovative solutions for the coach, with the objective of returning to a successful trajectory.” Our dedicated transfers page consolidates all transactions completed in January into a single location.