What’s the story with Jota? The big news doing the rounds at the moment is that Jota is apparently off to Saudi side Al-Ittihad. Several news outlets have jumped on a story run by a gulf based twitter account who reported that our Portuguese superstar has agreed a deal to move to the mega-rich Gulf state.

Jota of Celtic celebrates after scoring the team’s first goal during the Scottish Cup Semi Final match between Rangers and Celtic at Hampden Park on April 30, 2023. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Whether it remains to be true is another thing as it’s not been confirmed by any outlets in this country, they’re all just running with the same story from Twitter. The account in question has over one million followers so on the face of it seems legit, but until it’s confirmed by the club I’m not inclined to believe anything. And remember that with money these followers can easily be ‘purchased’ and used to promote the beautiful game in the Gulf.

One things for sure, Jota still has four years to run on his deal at Celtic and any move will carry a hefty fee, and despite Benfica being due a percentage, any move will see the club receive a healthy profit. Money always talks in football and in this situation, if it materialises then the Saudi club will have to spend big money to tempt Celtic into parting with a fans favourite just one season into his four year contract.

Celtic v Hibernian – cinch Premiership – – Jota arrives at Celtic Park before the cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park on Saturday March 18, 2023. Photo Steve Welsh

Reo Hatate was just last week destined to join the same club and look how that turned out, let’s hope this story goes the same way.

Assuming it’s all nonsense for the second time, who will it be next week? My money’s on Kyogo. At least they’re unlikely to be interested in Liel Abada!

JustAnOrdinaryBhoy – follow on Twitter @ordinarybhoy

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