Al-Ittihad make Jota demand as West Ham United transfer news emerges today
Al Ittihad have demanded that any potential suitor cover 100 per cent of Jota’s wages amid January loan interest from West Ham, according to Ben Jacobs.
The CBS journalist reported via X [29 January] that West Ham are targeting the Portuguese winger as an alternative signing after a deal for Ibrahim Osman fell through, but the mega-rich club want them to cover his full wage.
It is understood that reports suggesting Jota’s current wage is £190,000 per week are wide of the mark, with the figure closer to half of that. The higher number would make him the Hammers’ best-paid player.
Is it worth the risk?
With clubs up and down the Premier League table worried about the potential repercussions of FFP breaches, there is little chance that West Ham would target such a player if his wage was so astronomically high.
Especially after the loan signing of Kalvin Phillips from Manchester City, David Moyes will have to hope the real figures of Jota’s wage are much lower than reported if he is to acquire some attacking reinforcements.
Osman looked to be an exciting raw talent, but with the deal looking likely not to happen anymore, the former Celtic man could prove a sure-fire option to help West Ham push for domestic and European success this season.
The absences of Lucas Paqueta, Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus recently have highlighted exactly where Moyes’ squad needs strengthening, with exit-linked duo Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals not good enough to fill their boots.
Jota’s ability to deputise on either flank, his incredible pace and his eye for goal, make him the perfect fit for West Ham’s fluid attack but the club will need to be wary of the potential price tag, even for a six-month loan deal.
In other West Ham news, David Ornstein has shared his update on the Jota situation.
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