Jota in frantic Ittihad escape as Celtic hero sees agent tasked with transfer miracle before Mo Salah arrival
The winger looks set to be sidelined by the Saudi champions should the Liverpool star move to the Middle East.
Al Ittihad outcast Jota is facing a nervous wait to see his future decided as the agent of the Celtic hero was reportedly told to find a buyer by boss Nuno Espirito Santo.
The winger left the Premiership champions for a mega-money move to the Middle East earlier this summer with the Hoops landing a £25million while the Portuguese star penned a bumper contract alongside the likes of Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and Thiago at the Saudi Pro League side. But with Mo Salah believed to be in their sights this summer the 24-year-old looks set to be moved on to allow Ittihad to comply with league rules over the amount of foreign players allowed in each squad.
Reports in the Middle East suggest that the Egyptian is set for a medical imminently – which Liverpool have played down speculation over an Anfield exit. But Jota’s agent appears to have been handed the tough task of finding a buyer for his client before the end of the window.
Transfer specialist Rudy Galletti claims that Nuno has told the player’s agent to find a club that will pay to bring the attacker to their club with loan offers from Al-Taawon and Al-Ettifaq rejected. A reunion with Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham has also been floated in some Saudi reports.
The Scottish Treble winner will reportedly be left out of the Saudi champions squad should Salah secure a move to Liverpool. It leaves Jota and his team facing a race against the clock to find a buyer with the transfer deadline rapidly approaching.
The deadline in most of Europe this year falls on September 1. Saudi clubs can buy players until September 20 – but a move within the Pro League appears unlikely at this stage.
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Matt O’Riley and Reo Hatate Transfer Latest
With the transfer window nearing its closure, Celtic are in for a hectic week of negotiations.
The club is focused on retaining its top talents while bringing in fresh faces to strengthen the starting lineup.
Matt O’Riley, who has attracted attention from several European clubs, including Serie A’s Bologna, seems likely to stay at Celtic Park. Despite a bid from Bologna, Celtic turned it down and, according to SunSport, are “unlikely” to consider any further offers for the Danish youth international.
Reo Hatate is another player who has generated interest from clubs, particularly from England. Celtic are keen on securing Hatate to a long-term deal, although the player has so far delayed talks. Regardless, the club appears steadfast in its intention to keep him.
These decisions indicate that manager Brendan Rodgers is looking to maintain a strong core of players as Celtic strive for success this season. The focus now shifts to adding the final pieces to the squad, with multiple ins and outs expected in the coming days.
