Official: Jota completes Al-Ittihad move
Portuguese winger Jota has left Celtic to sign for Saudi Arabian champions Al-Ittihad on a three-year contract, the club confirmed on Monday evening.
Al-Ittihad have reportedly paid Celtic a fee of close to €30m to sign the former Benfica man, who became one of the Hoops’ star players during his two-year spell in Glasgow.
Nuno Espírito Santo led Al-Ittihad to the Pro League title last season, since when the club have caused a sensation in the transfer market by adding French superstars Karim Benzema and N’golo Kante to their squad from Real Madrid and Chelsea respectively.
Benfica will reportedly receive 30% of the transfer fee due to a sell-on clause in Jota’s move to Celtic Park. During his time in Scottish football, Jota won four trophies – including a domestic treble last season – while he was named in the PFA Team of the Year in his debut 2021-22 season.
The 24-year-old becomes the latest Portuguese to head to the Saudi league, following the recent switch by Rúben Neves to Al-Hilal, where Jorge Jesus has subsequently been named as new Manager. Pedro Rebocho and Ivo Rodrigues have joined Fábio Martins at Al-Khaleej, while Seleção captain Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr are expected to confirm the appointment of Luis Castro imminently.
By Sean Gillen