Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has revealed that the club plan to hold contract talks with Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers in the near future.
Both men are currently on loan with the Bhoys, but the Australian boss is seemingly keen to tie them to the club with permanent deals.
Indeed, as quoted in The Scottish Sun, Postecoglou spoke about the current situation, saying: “Those discussions will be taking place over the course of the next period with Michael Nicholson at the forefront of that.
“It’ll take care of itself. If I say we’re closer regarding them, it’s as if something’s happened.
“We all live in a romanticised version of life but it usually comes down to what drives the individual. Finances come into it, and other factors can influence the decision. I’m not going to try and convince anyone to stay.
“If you don’t understand how special it is to be a part of this place, nothing I’m going to say will change that.
“I know Cam and Jota love representing this club. They’re contributing right now and that’s all I need to see.”
While this news is no doubt exciting for the two players involved, as well as the Celtic fans, it could have a negative impact upon the future of a couple of squad players. But who might be sweating over their futures?
Welsh worried?
Since arriving from Tottenham in early September, Carter-Vickers has played the full 90 in 20 of Celtic’s following 21 league games. In that same period, Stephen Welsh has been used just six times.
No doubt, one man is ranked higher than the other in Postecoglou’s plans. With that in mind, the news that the Bhoys are hoping to make Carter-Vickers a permanent signing will likely be of some concern to Welsh.
Indeed, if the 22-year-old is struggling for game time now, it’s hard to see that situation getting any easier if and when his centre-back rival becomes a fully-fledged Celtic man.
According to the Daily Record, the Australian manager wants Welsh to fight for his place, but if he can’t break into the team by the end of the season, perhaps the defender will seek pastures new in the summer.
Johnston surplus to requirements?
Jota is reportedly available for a £6.5m fee that was agreed as an option when he joined from Benfica on loan. If that money was to be spent on the winger, Celtic may want to recoup some of that cash on a less important member of the team.
Unfortunately for Mikey Johnston, that man could be him. Indeed, the winger has seen his chances limited – starting just three league games all season – which is partly due to the arrival of Jota, who has started 13 of the Bhoys’ 25 Scottish Premiership matches.
Would you sell Mikey Johnston in the summer if Jota signs?
Yes
No
At 22 years of age, and under contract until May 2025, Johnston certainly does seem to be a saleable asset. If Jota is signed in the summer, the Glasgow native may be shipped off elsewhere to make space and money for him.
And given he was actually linked with a move away in the January transfer window, it’s not as if there wouldn’t be any potential suitors for the attacker.
In other news: James Forrest slammed by Celtic supporters