---
title: "Celtic: Worrying Jota exit update emerges before trip to St Johnstone"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-scottish-premiership-jota-transfer-news-updates/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Celtic News"
published: "2022-10-08T06:35:16Z"
modified: "2022-10-08T06:35:16Z"
---

# Celtic: Worrying Jota exit update emerges before trip to St Johnstone

**[Celtic](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-news/) winger Jota is being watched by a number of clubs after impressing hugely in a Hoops shirt, according to former Scotland manager Alex McLeish.**

### The Lowdown: Jota a star at Celtic

The 23-year-old has proven to be a magnificent signing by Celtic since arriving on loan from Benfica last year, before signing permanently this summer.

Jota has [scored 18 goals and registered 19 assists](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/jota/alletore/spieler/329812) in 51 appearances for Hoops, being [described](https://thecelticstar.com/unbelievable-ange-praises-celtics-attacking-duo/) as ‘unbelievable’ by manager Ange Postecoglou.

Unfortunately, his performances in green and white have clearly alerted others to his brilliance, following a new update.

### The Latest: Scouts watching

Speaking to [*Football Insider*](https://www.footballinsider247.com/expert-astonished-by-jota-celtic-latest-clubs-have-an-eye-on-him/), McLeish, who now [contributes](https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/12644354/alex-mcleish-andy-goram-a-wonderful-character) for Sky Sports, said that there is interest from multiple suitors, gushing over his abilities and saying clubs have an ‘eye’ on him:

> “I was astonished at the deal Celtic did for Jota.
>
> “In the beginning I thought he was a bit fancy, step overs, that kind of thing. Can he set people up, can beat people, can he put in crosses, can he head the ball?
>
> “The answer to every one of those questions is a positive yes. From what I hear, clubs have an eye on him. He had a few more alight chances against Leipzig so he could have had another goal.
>
> “To be honest, I think Celtic were too open. Leipzig were open as well which is why celtic had quite a few chances but take nothing away from Jota.
>
> “He is having a remarkable season.”

[Scouts have been present at previous Hoops matches](https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/celtic-final-word-jota-catching-eye-of-scouts-with-this-trajectory-already-and-can-moritz-jenz-win-his-own-battle-3796682) to check on the Portuguese starlet’s progress, though it’s unclear if any will be in attendance specifically for Jota at McDiarmid Park this weekend.

### The Verdict: Would be a massive loss

Jota has clearly been one of Celtic’s standout performers ever since he arrived at Parkhead, providing so much entertainment value and end product in the final third.

\[freshpress-poll id=”399407″\]

It is, therefore, no great shock that other clubs are eyeing up a move for the youngster, but the Hoops must do all they can to keep him, given what a huge loss he could be.

Fortunately, the deal Jota signed in the summer doesn’t [expire](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/jota/profil/spieler/329812) until 2027, putting Celtic in a strong bargaining position and allowing them to demand a huge fee for his services.