Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on Jota’s proposed move to Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. The 24-year-old looks set to complete a lucrative move in the coming week that will see him earn a reported £192k-per-week.
However, Romano updates to say that the player has spoken with the Jeddah club’s manager as he nears a move. Al Ittihad are managed by Nuno Espirito Santo and have already signed Ngolo Kante and Karim Benzema but it appears that their next signing will be Celtic’s Jota.
Understand Al Ittihad coach Nuno has already spoken to Jota about his transfer considered imminent and set to be completed next week. 🟡⚫️🇸🇦 #transfers
Fee gonna be around €30m, discussions ongoing. pic.twitter.com/0shQFzeCSI
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 2, 2023
It is believed that the structure of the deal is the subject of negotiations at present with Celtic keen to make sure that they are receiving an upfront payment from the cash-rich Saudis.
Given the money that the Saudis are throwing at bringing talent to their league, Celtic must stand by their valuation of Jota (and any other players that are subject to interest).
In 83 appearances, Jota has scored 28 goals and assisted 26 times. The Celtic supporters adore the Portuguese star but if he is keen on a move then there is only really one outcome.
Celtic have already confirmed the signing of Marco Tilio from Melbourne City and it would appear that the Australian Internationalist is a replacement for Jota.
