---
title: "Celtic: Alex McLeish reacts to permanent Jota transfer"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-vinicius-souza-jota-transfer-gossip-news/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Daniel Clubbe"
section: "Celtic News"
published: "2022-07-03T16:15:41Z"
modified: "2022-07-03T16:15:41Z"
---

# Celtic: Alex McLeish reacts to permanent Jota transfer

**Former Scotland manager Alex McLeish has delivered his verdict on [Celtic](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/celtic-news/) signing Jota on a permanent basis.**

### The lowdown: Deal done

The Hoops [confirmed](https://www.celticfc.com/news/2021/august/Celtic-sign-Jota-from-Benfica/) the capture of the 23-year-old winger after triggering a [£6.5m purchase option](https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/celtic-confirm-permanent-6-5m-transfer-for-jota-gnt0w8n78) as part of the deal which saw him spend last season on loan at Parkhead.

Signed from Benfica on a five-year contract, the Portuguese winger played a key part in Ange Postecoglou’s double-winning side in 2021/22 and looks certain to enjoy an integral role moving forwards.

Upon hearing the news, one invested onlooker has had his say on what the transfer means for the [Premiership](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/scottish-premiership-news/) champions…

### The latest: ‘More to come…’

Speaking to [Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/expert-predicts-more-to-come-from-jota-as-surprise-celtic-transfer-confirmed/), McLeish claimed that Jota still has a lot more to offer to the Bhoys and will almost certainly justify his price tag over time.

The [Sky Sports pundit](https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-best-of-goals-on-sunday-mick-mccarthy-alex-mcleish/id1062532126?i=1000458338150) said: “It does surprise me that he has been let go \[by Benfica\]. When I say let go, I don’t mean let go, it was £6million. He showed so much flair and technical ability last year, he was on a different level.

“There is obviously more to come and that could be a fantastic investment for Celtic. He could be a real target for someone in the future. Having won the league last year and him playing a major role, it’s a great signing by Celtic.

“It’s a cracking agreement for Benfica as well.”

\[freshpress-quiz id=”398101″\]

### The verdict: Great deal for Celtic

Although Celtic have undoubtedly landed a bargain, the [reported](https://www.glasgowlive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/jotas-celtic-transfer-sell-clause-23866750) 30% sell-on clause installed into the deal could prove to be a masterstroke from Benfica over time.

Currently valued at a rising £6.75m ([Transfermarkt](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/jota/marktwertverlauf/spieler/329812)), another campaign even close to the exploits of his [27 direct goal involvements](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/jota/leistungsdaten/spieler/329812/plus/0?saison=2021) in 40 appearances last term would almost inevitably bring about transfer interest from across Europe.

\[freshpress-poll id=”401927″\]

That said, with Champions League football back on the agenda at Celtic Park and potentially more arrivals [such as](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-transfer-news/celtic-transfer-bulletin-vinicius-souza-27381023) Vinicius Souza, first and foremost there is no reason why the Scottish champions cannot retain their most prized assets, [including Jota](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/celtic-fc/startseite/verein/371), in the future.