Celtic’s deal to sell Jota to Al Ittihad in the summer will be the subject of an internal probe as the Saudi club look to attribute blame to the signing. The Portuguese attacker arrived after a stunning season in Scotland as Celtic won a Treble.
According to Asharq Al-Awsat (via Record Sport), the Jeddah club wants to know who the major players were both internally and externally that brought the player to the club.
Jota has not been included in the Saudi Pro League squad, meaning that he can only play in the cup competitions. This has been recognised by the club and they will offer added financial incentives to keep players motivated.
Celtic’s Portuguese forward Jota plays the ball during the UEFA Champions League Group F football match RB Leipzig v Celtic FC in Leipzig, eastern Germany on October 5, 2022. (Photo by Ronny Hartmann / AFP) (Photo by RONNY HARTMANN/AFP via Getty Images)
Upon discovering the position regarding his status in the squad, Jota is said to have been considering his options in the transfer window as well as simply terminating the deal, meaning the could be free to move clubs.
The report also suggests that Ange Postecoglou may take advantage of the current situation and sign the player for nothing, should he succeed in terminating his £192k-per-week deal.
It will be interesting to see what happens with Jota but it is impressive business from Celtic nevertheless, who insisted on cash up front from the cash-rich Saudis.