It’s looking likely that Jota won’t be a Celtic player by this time next week after a Saturday report indicated that Al-Ittihad are closing in on his confirmed signing.
Football Scotland say that he is now expected to complete his move to Saudi Arabia in the coming days after contract terms were agreed with the cash-rich club.
It’s stated by journalist Mark Hendry that Celtic will bank £20m for the move, rising to £25m with add-ons. A deal is now close, with the two clubs finalising the finer details of the transfer.
Jota set to become a huge earner
It was previously reported by Stephen McGowan at The Scottish Daily Mail that Jota is in line to earn a staggering and surreal £10m-per-year, tax-free. That works out at an eye-watering £192,000-per-week wage. That’s far beyond the spending capabilities of Celtic and indeed most clubs across Britain and Europe.
Ultimately, it’s the kind of cash hard to stand in the way of, despite Celtic holding a contract for the player until 2027. If the Bhoys did try to stand form, it could just lead to resentment on the player’s part. It’s wealth on offer to him that could be generational for himself and his family.
Yes, he’s far from lacking wealth at Celtic, but this is another stratosphere. He’s joining a squad that also includes Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante. He’ll also be working under Portuguese manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
Jota has been an impressive performer for Celtic. He initially became a fan-favourite on loan and the club did well to tie him down to a permanent contract last year. The winger will undoubtedly be missed.
Thankfully, the club does have the funds to go out and secure a quality replacement. That must be delivered now. Ideally, targets are already known to the club. Now they have two months to secure a talent that will help supporters and the team move on from Jota’s contributions.
In other news, The reality of where Celtic sit right now as rumours and reports swirl.
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