The swirling rumors of Jota’s potential summer return to Celtic have finally been put to rest, with recent reports from the Middle East confirming that the treble-winner will be staying put at Al-Ittihad for the upcoming season. After making headlines with his £25 million move to Saudi Arabia last summer, Jota faced a challenging start at his new club, being inexplicably left out of the Pro League squad under former manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
Despite the setbacks, Jota was given a lifeline by his successor Marcelo Gallardo in January and managed to make a substantial impact, scoring five goals and providing one assist in 25 appearances by the end of the season. With whispers of a potential return to Celtic gaining traction, fans were hopeful of a reunion with the talented forward. However, hopes were dashed by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Sport, Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Saud, who made it clear that Jota will be staying at Al-Ittihad for the foreseeable future.
As part of a club backed by the Public Investment Fund and featuring high-profile signings like Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante, Jota was a marquee acquisition last summer. Al Saud confirmed that there are no plans to bring in more European stars, solidifying Jota’s place in the squad alongside notable players like Benzema and Kante for the upcoming campaign.
While Jota’s immediate future may not involve a return to Celtic, his time in Saudi Arabia presents a new opportunity for the 25-year-old to showcase his skills and continue making an impact in the league. With challenges overcome and promising performances under his belt, Jota’s journey at Al-Ittihad seems set to continue as he looks to prove his worth and carve out a successful future in the club.
