Credit: Twitter
Just one month after signing for Al-Ittihad for a world-record £25 million, Jota, former Celtic winger, is facing a humiliating departure. The club's management is apparently looking to transfer the Portuguese star on loan or sell him permanently after he failed to satisfy his new manager Nuno Espirito Santo despite the fact that he scored 15 goals for the Scottish club last season.
Jota is in talks with two Portuguese top-flight clubs about a potential return to his home country, where he began his career with Benfica, according to reports. Jota may reportedly even temporarily join Al-Shabab, a rival of Al-Ittihad, who also stated that the club is eager to bolster their attack with more weapons.
The 24-year-old, who signed a lucrative contract worth millions, was expected to realise his ambition of joining Al-Ittihad. He joined a team that featured former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema, former Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante, and former Liverpool star Fabinho, in addition to other prominent players. He was anticipated to play a significant role for Nuno Espirito Santo.
However, since Jota arrived in the Middle East, things have gotten worse for him. In the league, he has only played as a substitute twice, totaling 32 minutes. In his six outings for Al-Ittihad, including four games in the Arab Club Champions Cup, he has also failed to score or provide an assist. Club legend Mohammad Nour blasted Jota, claiming that he was "not suitable" for Al-Ittihad and that it would be preferable to "change him now" rather than regret it later.
Jota’s situation is a stark contrast to his time at Celtic, where he was adored by the fans and the manager Brendan Rodgers. He was instrumental in Celtic’s domestic success and their impressive run in the Europa League, where he scored two goals in five games.
Raphael Varane considering Al-Ittihad move: Reports
According to several reports, Manchester United defender Raphael Varane has shown interest in moving to Al-Ittihad, and negotiations between the two teams and the player have already begun. Inquiries by Al-Ittihad regarding hiring Varane came after the French defender himself showed interest in relocating to the Middle East.
In an effort to keep him at Old Trafford. It is reported that Erik Ten Hag will place a high price on him. However, Varane should not be too difficult to obtain for Al-Ittihad as they already have N’Golo Kante, Fabinho, and most notably 2021-22 Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema.
