Marcelo Gallardo Offers Jota Al Ittihad Lifeline By Registering Him, Effectively Cancels West Ham Transfer
Since signing from Al Ittihad from Celtic for a club record fee (at the time) of £25, Jota has only managed 11 appearances for the Saudi Pro League side. Later, manager Nuno Espirito Santo would deregister him to make room for more foreign signings. Nuno has been operating in limbo, not knowing where his future lies.
During the January transfer window, English Premier League side West Ham came calling and it appeared that Jota’s Saudi adventure would end. Reports indicated that Jota had indicated he’d be open to the move to West Ham, with the English club ready to engage Al Ittihad to find a resolution. Had he moved, he’d have been subjected to stringent tax laws, unlike in Saudi Arabia, where he’s been enjoying a tax-free salary.
However, it seems Jota will not need to make a move to England to restart his career after new manager Marcelo Gallardo handed him a lifeline. Gallardo submitted his name among the list of players registered to play for Al Ittihad for the remainder of the season.
