Celtic complete Jota return as Kyogo joins Rennes

Jota’s return from Rennes has been completed by Celtic, but Kyogo Furuhashi’s move has come to an end.

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 for a reported £25 million in July 2023, but he was unable to start regularly for the Saudi Pro League and Rennes, who are currently a five-game losing streak.

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 first signed for Celtic on a season-long loan from Benfica in September 2021, and the Glasgow club reportedly gave him the option to purchase him for £6.5 million the following summer.

Before moving to Saudi Arabia, he assisted Celtic in winning the treble in 2022-23 and had 28 goals scored in 83 games.

Jota, who played 19 times for Al-Ittihad and 10 for Rennes, described his return as “very nostalgic”.

Ange Postecoglou signed him for Celtic, but he claims Brendan Rodgers, the current Celtic manager, “was crucial” to his decision to stay.

“We had really good discussions and we were very honest and, in the end, we believed in each other”, he said.

“It’s really exciting to be working with someone who has accomplished so much and who is bringing the Celtic family such joy and happiness,” said I.

Kyogo, 30, moved to Scotland from Vissel Kobe in his native country and had earlier indicated that he wanted to end his three-year spell at Celtic Park on Friday.

The striker told Rennes ‘ website: “I was looking for a new challenge in a recognised league. Physically and technically, the league is very competitive.

Our goal is to return to the top of the league table because the club is not in the position it has been for the past few seasons.

In 165 games for Celtic and Rennes, Kyogo scored 85 goals, praising his “excellent finishing abilities” and work-rate, according to Celtic and Rennes sporting director Frederic Massara.

” 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 benefit the team and give the coach fresh ideas to return to winning ways.