Celtic could finally sign Ola Solbakken this summer – but only if they can’t ensure that winger Jota stays at Parkhead.
The Jota situation continues to rumble on but we’re surely only a few weeks away from a definitive answer now.
Jota, 23, is on a season-long loan at Celtic from Benfica. That deal includes a purchase option of around £6.5million, and Celtic were allegedly planning to activate that way back in September.
We’re now almost in May and Celtic are yet to confirm whether they will be signing Jota permanently.
With 11 goals and 12 assists this season, you would imagine that Celtic do want to keep Jota.
Yet it also depends on what the player wants. Jota may fancy giving it a go with Benfica again, or there is a possibility that Celtic activate the clause and sell Jota on for a big profit.
If Jota isn’t a Celtic player for next season, the Bhoys seemingly have their top target in mind in Bodo/Glimt star Ola Solbakken.
The Scottish Daily Mail (27/04, back page) report that Celtic want to sign Solbakken as a Jota replacement this summer.
Reports in February indicated that Solbakken was actually offered to Celtic last summer and the Bhoys said no.
That could all change now though with Celtic allegedly keen to bring Solbakken to Glasgow after all.
Solbakken, 23, is out of contract in December so Celtic could secure a real bargain with the Norwegian star.
Solbakken scored against Celtic in the Europa Conference League and that may have just been a sign to the Bhoys that he should be signed.
The winger, who now has two caps for Norway, has bagged eight goals and five assists in his last 19 Bodo/Glimt games.
That’s an impressive record and one that could earn Solbakken a big move this summer.
Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Roma fancy Solbakken and their city rivals Lazio are also keen according to reports in Italy.
That means Solbakken would be a huge coup for Celtic, and beating Jose Mourinho would be a big win for the Bhoys – but it all hinges on Jota.
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