Former Celtic winger Jota is being targeted by ex-Rangers manager Steven Gerrard for a move to Al-Ettifaq. Jota is at the centre of a bizarre transfer saga having completed a £25m move to Saudi Arabia earlier this summer. Although, in the last few days it has emerged that the player has been told to find a new club and the Al Ittihad hierarchy are willing to rip up his £192k-per-week deal to allow him to leave on a free.
As reported by Middle East outlet Alkaas (via Football Scotland), Gerrard has reportedly asked his new club’s board to sanction a loan move for the Portuguese winger. Gerrard has used his knowledge of the Scottish game to sign Jack Hendry and Moussa Dembele meaning Jota could be the third ex-Celt to play under Gerrard.
Even if Gerrard does want to sign him, he is not a ‘big name’ like Salah or Varane – who have been touted with moves to Saudi. This means that the player is in no-man’s land. It is unlikely that he would like to remain in Saudi and will likely return to Europe if he is freed from his deal.
In 83 appearances for Celtic, Jota has scored 28 goals and assisted 26 times. The Celtic supporters adore the Portuguese star and if there was a chance at a return then we’d happily welcome this.
Saudi Arabia hell.