Concerned Stiliyan Petrov insists Jota must be a Celtic player next season with the Parkhead legend eagerly anticipating a permanent transfer from Benfica.
The 23-year-old was a smash hit during his season-long loan at Celtic Park and he is expected to finally rubber stamp as a £6.5m permanent deal with the Premiership champions when he returns from his summer break. The purchase option in his loan agreement has been triggered with the final details of his contract finally ironed out, according to reports in Portugal.
With Cameron Carter-Vickers completing a quick-fire move from Tottenham following the end of his loan, fans expected Jota to quickly follow in the centre-back's footsteps, but an announcement has yet to emerge from the club. But Ange Postecoglou will be desperate to keep the forward for the Champions League group stage surge and the club's bid to defend their league crown.
And Petrov insists that it is simply a non-negotiable that he will join Celtic after unearthing a diamond last season. Speaking to Sky Sports, Petrov said: “They have to, they have to. He was an important player last season, and he’s a huge favourite with the fans. I believe that they will get it over the line and he will be a part of that team again, because the excitement he brings into the team is different.
“He brings a different side when he plays to Celtic’s view altogether. So, it seems like they are going to get it over (the line). But it seems like it’s not done yet.”
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