Celtic transfers: Jota signs as Kyogo joins Rennes
2025-01-27
Category: sports

Celtic have completed the return of Jota from Rennes while Kyogo Furuhashi has finalised a move in the opposite direction.Japan striker Kyogo, who joined Celtic in summer 2021 at the same time as Jota, has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the club sitting third bottom of Ligue 1.Jota left Celtic in July 2023 - for a reported fee of Â£25m - but failed to become a regular starter at Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League and also a Rennes side who are on a run of five defeats in a row.The 25-year-old has signed a five-and-a-half-year contract with the Scottish champions, who have a 10-point lead at the top of the Premiership."The last year-and-a-half has had its ups and downs, but that's life and that's how football is," he told Celtic's 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 loan from Benfica in September 2021 and, following a successful season, the Glasgow club triggered a reported option to buy him for Â£6.5m the following summer.He helped Celtic secure the treble in 2022-23 and scored 28 goals in 83 appearances before leaving for Saudi Arabia.Jota, who played 19 times for Al-Ittihad and 10 for Rennes, described his return as "very nostalgic"."The best thing in Glasgow, besides Celtic obviously, is the people and I feel like I need a place with soul, where I feel at home," he added.
He was signed for Celtic by Ange Postecoglou but says current manager Brendan Rodgers "was crucial" to his decision to return."We had really good discussions and we were very honest and, in the end, we believed in each other," he said."I think it's a really exciting time to be working with someone who has achieved so much and who is giving so much joy and happiness to the Celtic family."Rodgers on Friday revealed 30-year-old Kyogo, who moved to Scotland from Vissel Kobe in his homeland, had a few months ago indicated his desire to end his three-year spell at Celtic Park. The striker told Rennes' website: "I was looking for a new challenge in a recognised league. Physically and technically, the league is very competitive. "The club is not in the position it has been in for the last few seasons and our objective will be to climb back up the league table."Kyogo scored 85 goals in 165 appearances for Celtic and Rennes sporting director Frederic Massara pointing out his "great finishing qualities" and work-rate."He has a wealth of international experience, including in the Champions League, and knows what it's like to play at the highest level," he added. "This will help the team and provide new solutions for the coach with the aim of getting back to winning ways."Our dedicated transfers page has all the deals done in January in one place.