Former Celtic star Jota was named in the Al Ittihad starting XI for their ACL game against Iraqi side Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya but was helpless to see his side lose 2-0. The result has heaped pressure on Nuno Espirito Santo, the Al Ittihad manager, who is facing serious speculation surrounding his future.
According to journalist Rudy Galetti, Nuno’s position is under threat following their defeat to the Iraq side and a shortlist of replacements is being considered. AS Roma manager Jose Mourinho is one of the favourites and is expected to make a move next summer to cash-in on Saudi interest.
🚨💭 #AlIttihad, internal evaluations ongoing on the position of Nuno Espirito Santo after the defeat (2-0) in the #ACL.
👀 No final decision made, but the 🇸🇦 club is exploring possible replacements: #Lopetegui – even now – and #Mourinho are among the names on the list. 🐓⚽ pic.twitter.com/sXXd2shMxK
— Rudy Galetti (@RudyGaletti) November 6, 2023
Jota was signed by Nuno but it was a deal that has very quickly soured, despite his astronomical wages. Celtic sold their star player for £25m in a deal that many could only understand due to the cash involved. Although, Jota found himself somewhat marginalised after deals for Fabinho, Karim Benzema, N’golo Kante and Luis Felipe pushed the Portuguese winger out of the league squad, leaving only a limited role in Cups.
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. Although, it is believed that the Jeddah team are not keen on this proposal.
The report also suggests that Ange Postecoglou and Spurs 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.
