Kris Boyd, a former Rangers striker and Ibrox cheerleader, has responded to Jota’s prospective return to Celtic.

The impending rejoining of the Portuguese winger with the Hoops signifies a notable shift in strategy within the transfer market.

Soccer Football – Champions League – Celtic v BSC Young Boys – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – January 22, 2025
Celtic’s Reo Hatate and Auston Trusty celebrate after the match REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

Having secured their position in the Champions League knockout stage, Celtic is now poised to pursue new acquisitions aimed at enhancing both the overall squad and the starting eleven.

While Kyogo is poised to transition in the opposite direction, Celtic is expected to enhance their strength on the flanks, an area in which they have been striving for increased competition. As Jota prepares to compete for a starting position alongside Nicolas Kuhn, Daizen Maeda, and James Forrest, the competition is intensifying.

During his tenure in Glasgow, Jota garnered significant admiration from fans. With Kieran Tierney also anticipated to make a return to Celtic, the possibility of reuniting multiple former favourites within the same squad represents a veritable fantasy for supporters of the Hoops. Nevertheless, the departure of Kyogo will serve to ground many individuals.

Nevertheless, the prospect of Jota’s return to confront Rangers is one that Boyd finds difficult to contemplate without experiencing a sense of trepidation, particularly in light of the challenging encounters the Rennes winger previously imposed upon the Ibrox team.

In response to an inquiry posed by Sky Sports News presenter Mike Wedderburn, who enquired, “In light of the recent announcement regarding Jota’s return to Celtic, has this development already marred your evening?”

Boyd stated, as reported by Sky Sports, “No, it is unequivocally the contrary.” It is indisputable that he was an exceptional player. To facilitate the transfer, Celtic received £8 million, the amount generated from the sale of the player.

There exists a significant disparity in that regard. I am confident that he will seek to return and demonstrate his capabilities.Boyd observes that Celtic is progressing positively by seeking to enhance their personnel, while Rangers appear to be stagnant as a result of financial limitations.

As the Hoops concentrate on maximising their opportunities in the Champions League this season, it is plausible that Celtic may feature several familiar players in their lineup for the knockout stages next month, including individuals such as Kieran Tierney and Jota.