Fabrozio Romano is expecting the transfer of Jota to Al Ittihad next week.
The Italian transfer guru tweeted at 1.55am this morning about the likely transfer and provided an early evening update that the contracts and documents have been prepared by the Saudi club.
Jota remains on a Celtic contract that has four years to run but with the sums involved it seems that the club can only hold out for the best possible terms against the inevitable signing.
Al Ittihad have prepared documents and contracts for Jota to join the club next week. ????? #transfers
The player has already accepted, work in progress between clubs with Celtic for Jota to join Kanté and Benzema at Al Ittihad. pic.twitter.com/UvObTGr4uL
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 1, 2023
There is bound to be a lot of guesswork over the exact fee that Celtic get and what cut Benfica are owed but it looks like the hoops will be making at least £10m profit on a player that they signed a year ago.
Marco Tilio was signed from Melbourne City on Friday but it would be asking too much for the Australian internationalist to step into the boots left by Jota.
With pre-season training starting on Monday fans will be looking to hear from Brendan Rodgers with expectations high of some serious strengthening of the squad that has just lost Aaron Mooy.
There was always going to be ins and outs. Losing players the calibre of Jota, Abada or Hatate wouldn’t be easy but we’ll just have to wait and see how things pan out. Mooy will be remembered for his relatively brief but important contribution. Recruitment has been good for these past few years, let’s hope that continues. Kyogo will be on the radar too, it’s all part and parcel of being a successful club.
If I were looking toward a challenge, it wouldn’t be coming from across the city but from across the mainland. Even with such changes Celtic remain the outstanding candidates for the Title. Game by game, with an experienced manager, I have no doubt the fans will be thoroughly entertained and with the points into the bargain.
If as is being reported Celtic are holding out for Jotas fee to be paid upfront and in full, I totally agree with that stance, the Saudis are new to the European transfer system and they have to be shown to want to comply with the European system, if that means they have to show they can be trusted, so be it.