Chris Sutton has publicly criticised Jota’s potential move to Saudi Arabia this summer, feeling that the Celtic winger is jeopardising his playing career and ambitions with the Portuguese national team.
Jota is reported to be on the brink of a move to Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad having been offered astronomical wages. It’s said Celtic and Jota’s suitors are finalising a transfer deal in excess of £20m and that it could be confirmed next week.
For Sutton, it’s the wrong move for the player. He wrote in his Daily Record column this weekend: “Let’s not sugar coat it here. If he moves to Saudi Arabia, spare us any talk it’s for footballing reasons. It will be for cold hard cash. Nothing more. Listen, I get how his head could be turned. The numbers being quoted are unbelievable, with talk of up to £10mi a year.
“It’s a heck of a lot of money – but at what cost? Jota is 24 years old and not even in his prime yet. It was a similar story with Ruben Neves leaving Wolves for the Gulf State at 26. These guys are going into semi-retirement before they have even made a proper impact at the top level. It’s such a waste.
“I know people are going to say Scottish football isn’t exactly the best league in the world but it’s still got history, heritage and it gives a platform to play in the Champions League. People might point to me moving to Scotland. That was completely different. I knew Celtic were a huge club with big ambitions. I knew it would give me a big stage and the chance to play in Europe.”
That’s not to say the former Celtic striker isn’t a fan of Jota as a talent. Far from it. He recognises just how impressive he has been at the Bhoys. And Sutton thinks he will be very hard to replace.
However, the outspoken pundit also reckons the club could entertain the notion of ‘marquee signings’ this summer, given the resources available to them.
He continued: “There’s no doubt it’s a huge blow to Celtic and to Brendan Rodgers. This is Celtic’s most creative player. He brings something different to the side and he turns up in the big games. He’s been a terrific signing and even if they do get top dollar, he’s going to be extremely difficult to replace.
“Rodgers would not have returned to the club if he wasn’t given assurances he would be given money to spend and it looks like his kitty is going to be further boosted. Celtic have got money and now it’s going to be interesting to see how much of it filters to the manager and who Rodgers brings in. Does he go with more project players to build up and sell on? Or does he go all out for the marquee signings that are ready-made and could fire the side to the next level. I know what fans would prefer.”
It remains to be seen what Celtic truly have planned in the summer window. Two players have already arrived but they undoubtedly fall into the unknown prospect category.
We could be about to see ambitious moves from the Bhoys and that is a tantalising thought.
In other news, Report: Brendan Rodgers set to give forgotten Celtic players big chances.
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