West Ham Nears Deal for Former Celtic Star Jota Amidst Struggles in Saudi Arabia

In a potential Transfer move, West Ham United are reportedly on the brink of securing a deal for former Celtic sensation Jota.

The Portuguese winger, who embarked on a high-profile £25m transfer to Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia last June, has encountered a challenging stint, making just 11 appearances for the club.

West Ham reaches agreement for Jota

Sources from the Middle East suggest that an agreement has been reached between Al-Ittihad and the Premier League club, with negotiations gaining momentum after positive talks between the two sides.

The move comes as Jota seeks an exit to revitalize his career after being omitted from the domestic squad in September, restricting his appearances to the Club World Cup and AFC Champions League.

West Ham manager David Moyes, eager to bolster his attacking options, has reportedly offered Jota a pathway to reignite his promising career. However, negotiations remain complex, with hurdles related to salary and taxes, according to reliable sources.

Despite the challenges, Foot Mercato journalist Sani Aouna confirms that West Ham and Jota have reached an agreement for a transfer to the London Stadium. The clubs are said to be engaged in “positive talks,” and the player is awaiting the green light to travel to England.

Jota’s time at Celtic showcased his prowess, with an impressive record of 28 goals and 26 assists in 83 appearances. Former Celtic full-back Alan Hutton has previously praised Jota, highlighting his impact during his time at the Scottish club.

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The details of the deal, whether permanent or a loan arrangement, are yet to be revealed. Al-Ittihad, looking to recoup a significant portion of the initial investment made in the summer, adds an intriguing element to the unfolding transfer saga.

West Ham remains active in the transfer market, concurrently negotiating with the Textor Group for Said Benrahma to potentially join Olympique Lyon in the closing days of the transfer window.

The developments surrounding Jota and West Ham promise an exciting conclusion to the January transfer period for the Hammers.