Jota’s return to Celtic has been one of the most intriguing and anticipated storylines of the 2024/25 season. The winger’s first spell at the club was nothing short of sensational, with his flair, creativity, and goals helping to elevate Celtic’s attacking play. He quickly became a fan favourite, and his departure in the summer of 2023 was a significant loss. However, his second stint has been a story of gradual but steady improvement, and there’s a growing sense that Jota’s best form is still to come. Paulo Bernardo’s comments about Jota’s potential and his progress since returning to Celtic Park offer a deeper insight into the player’s journey and what fans can expect from him in the coming months.

After leaving Celtic in 2023, Jota’s career took an unexpected turn. His time away from the club saw him struggle for regular game time, with just 35 appearances over an 18-month period. It was clear that things weren’t going as planned, and he found himself searching for form and consistency. In some ways, his return to Celtic was an opportunity for redemption, but it also came with the weight of expectations—expectations built upon the incredible impact he had made in his first spell at the club. Fans were eager to see him rekindle the magic that made him one of the most exciting wingers in Scotland. Yet, it wasn’t an immediate fix. It took time for Jota to find his rhythm again, both physically and mentally, and the process of reacclimatizing to Celtic’s high-pressing, attacking style took longer than many had hoped.

However, recent performances have shown a marked improvement in Jota’s game. Since his return in January, the Portuguese winger has scored four goals and provided two assists in just eight appearances. His most recent contribution came in Celtic’s dominant 3-0 win over Hearts, where Jota’s clinical finish helped seal the victory. While the early signs of his return were promising, this recent form has taken things to another level. The way he’s been able to find the back of the net, contribute to his teammates, and make vital contributions in important moments suggests that he is beginning to rediscover the level of play that made him such an asset in the first place. But as Paulo Bernardo rightly pointed out, Jota’s best is yet to come.

Paulo Bernardo, who has played alongside Jota for both club and country, provided a unique insight into the winger’s mindset and progress since rejoining Celtic. Bernardo mentioned that Jota feels much better now than he did when he first arrived back at the club. This is an important development, as confidence and physical well-being play a crucial role in a player’s performance. It’s clear that Jota has been working tirelessly behind the scenes, as Bernardo highlighted, putting in the necessary effort at Lennoxtown to get back to his peak fitness. While Jota’s first few games back were marked by signs of rust, there’s a noticeable shift in his performances now. He’s regaining his sharpness, his dribbling has become more purposeful, and his overall influence in matches is growing stronger. There’s a sense that this is only the beginning of his return to form, and if he can continue on this trajectory, his impact on the squad will only increase.

What stands out in Bernardo’s comments is his belief that Jota is still developing, and that there is so much more to come from the 24-year-old. At an age where many wingers are hitting their peak, Jota still has room to grow, refine his game, and add new dimensions to his play. His natural flair and skill on the ball have always been evident, but with more consistent performances, he can become even more dangerous in one-on-one situations and in front of goal. His technical ability allows him to change the course of a match with a moment of brilliance, and as he gets more comfortable within the squad, the ability to produce those moments on a more regular basis will be crucial for Celtic as they look to challenge on multiple fronts.

Bernardo’s belief in Jota’s potential and his hard work is also an indication that Jota is fully committed to proving his worth at Celtic. It’s easy for a player to rest on their laurels after a successful first spell at a club, but Jota has shown that he’s not taking anything for granted. His dedication to putting in the necessary work, his desire to improve every day, and his commitment to getting back to his best all suggest that he is ready to take the next step in his Celtic journey. It’s clear that Jota sees this as more than just a chance to revive his career; he’s determined to leave a lasting legacy at the club. This mindset will be crucial as the season progresses and as the pressure mounts, especially with Celtic fighting for the league title and potential domestic treble.

As Celtic heads into a crucial period of the season, Jota’s form could play a pivotal role in the outcome of the campaign. With the Hoops challenging for the Scottish Premiership title, the Scottish Cup, and the League Cup, Jota’s contributions will be vital in deciding how successful the season is. His creativity, flair, and ability to unlock defenses are key elements that could tip the balance in tight matches. Whether it’s scoring a vital goal, creating an assist in a high-stakes cup tie, or providing a spark in a league clash, Jota’s talent is one that Brendan Rodgers can rely on. But what’s perhaps even more exciting for Celtic fans is the idea that Jota’s influence will only continue to grow as he regains full fitness and confidence.

Looking to the future, it’s next season that really has fans buzzing with excitement. If Jota can carry this momentum forward, a full pre-season under his belt could see him reach even greater heights. A pre-season is essential for a player to integrate fully into the manager’s tactical plans, develop chemistry with teammates, and fine-tune their fitness levels. Jota’s first season back at Celtic might still be a work in progress, but with the right preparation and a full campaign, he could rediscover the scintillating form that made him one of the top wingers in the league during his first spell. The blend of experience, talent, and hunger for success could make Jota a central figure in Celtic’s plans for next season, and his potential impact is one that supporters are eagerly anticipating.

For now, Celtic fans can be optimistic about Jota’s ongoing resurgence. His hard work and recent performances are promising signs, and with his commitment to improving and showing his quality, he could be one of the most important players as Celtic pushes for silverware this season. But looking beyond this season, if Jota can build on his current form and continue to grow, there’s a real chance that he could become a defining figure in Celtic’s success over the next few years. With his ability to make a difference on the pitch, the best is undoubtedly yet to come from Jota at Celtic.