West Ham is leading the race to sign Al Ittihad outcast Jota on loan, with Real Betis being left in the dust, O Jogo reported. Betis, managed by former Hammers boss Manuel Pellegrini, had shown interest in the winger, but it seems like Jota is leaning towards a move to London.
The 24-year-old is looking for a club where he can play regularly, having been cut from Al Ittihad’s league squad since September. Betis’ interest in Pablo Fornals makes it unlikely that they would go for Jota, especially with their current wage bills in Saudi Arabia.
With West Ham in need of reinforcements in attack, Jota could breathe life into the squad after the absences of Lucas Paqueta, Mohammed Kudus, and Jarrod Bowen. Even with two of the three players now back from injury, Jota offers speed, agility, and an eye for goal from the bench.
As the season continues, West Ham is still aiming for a top-four finish in the Premier League and European success in the Europa League. Manager David Moyes will need all the selection headaches he can get as the busy schedule continues.
