Al Ittihad have confirmed the acquisition of Moussa Diaby from Aston Villa in a deal that could mark the end of Jota’s time in Saudi Arabia. Last summer, Celtic sold Jota to Al Ittihad for £25m, but the winger has struggled to find his form since then.
The club has now signed Diaby in a deal worth £50m (€60m), with a contract until 2029 and a salary of almost £20m per year. New manager Laurent Blanc has brought in Diaby alongside Houssem Aouar, meaning Jota is at risk of being left out of the squad.
Jota has had a tough time in Saudi, with only 22 appearances, four goals, and one assist to his name. His time at Celtic was much more successful, with extraordinary moments and five trophies won during his 83 appearances. Despite hints of a possible return to Celtic, Jota’s future remains uncertain.
Talksport’s Sam Matterface mentioned that Saudi clubs typically honor player contracts, giving Jota a stronger bargaining position if he chooses to leave. With interest from both sides, a potential move could be on the horizon, especially as Celtic are in need of a new winger.
While there hasn’t been much talk from Celtic about Jota’s return, fans are hopeful for a positive outcome. As Al Ittihad moves on from Jota, his future in Saudi Arabia is in question.
