‘All I am thinking about’: £6.5m ace gives honest view on Celtic transfer

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Benfica loanee Filipe Jota is not focusing on his long-term future, but enjoying his time as a Celtic player after a strong start to his stay in the Premiership, via the Glasgow Times.

Jota moved to Parkhead on a season-long deal on Deadline Day in August to bolster Ange Postecoglou’s attacking options.

The 22-year-old has since made 13 appearances for the Bhoys and started each outing so far. He has also provided four goals and five assists across all competitions, after finding the net against Ferencvaros on Thursday.

Jota’s instant success in Glasgow had Celtic chiefs already studying a permanent transfer. With Sky Sports reporting the Hoops could trigger a £6.5m purchase clause in his loan deal.

But Jota says he has not given any thought to a full-time switch from Benfica to Celtic. With the Portugal U21 winger focusing on enjoying the Hoops’ results and then the next game.

“I never think about the future,” Jota said. “I only think about the present. All I am thinking about is a nice result in Europe and now it’s on to the next one.

“It’s like our coach said, take five minutes to enjoy the result the other night. Then we move on to Sunday.

“I just want to enjoy it as the past few years have been difficult. I am in a good moment and I’m enjoying my football.

“The team is doing good and we are building something really good for the future. I’m delighted to be here.”

Should Celtic complete permanent Jota transfer?

Celtic securing an option to buy Jota in their loan agreement with Benfica could prove a masterstroke next summer.

While Jota is not focusing on his future, Bhoys chiefs will be running the rule over whether to buy him. And his efforts in green-and-white so far will give the Hoops reason to pay.

The forward is building a strong relationship with key man Kyogo Furuhashi at Parkhead and thrilling pundits with their connection.

He is also proving his potential in front of the goal with clinical strikes and bamboozling defences with his trickery on the ball. Potentially enough for Celtic to trigger their clause.