Al-Ittihad ready to loan out Jota as West Ham United transfer news drops
Al-Ittihad are willing to accept a loan bid for outcast Jota amid interest from West Ham and Wolves, according to The Mirror.
The newspaper reported via its website [25 January] that the mega-rich club are attempting to find a solution to their situation with Jota, who has been exiled from the league squad since September 2023.
It is understood that the 24-year-old has rejected a loan move to Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq after the clubs agreed to a deal. A loan could suit West Ham, however, considering their plans for Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals.
Pros and cons
With the plan to get rid of the aforementioned duo, Jota could be a perfect addition to David Moyes’ squad, especially after how the side performed with Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus unavailable.
Jota definitely has enough quality to survive in the Premier League, at least as a backup to Moyes’ preferred attacking trio, scoring 28 goals in 85 appearances across two spells with Celtic in Scotland.
His lack of match sharpness will be a worry, however, considering he has not played a league game since September last year. But, with the chance at claiming a top-four spot in the Premier League and European success this season, West Ham need all the depth they can get.
Poor results against Bristol City in the FA Cup and Sheffield United in the league have proven just how much the Hammers miss their key players, when injured or on international duty, which is why Jota would be a welcome addition.
There are better options out there. If West Ham are serious about Jota, though, they may need to get the deal done before another club, such as Wolves, swoop in and steal the signing.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have made a better transfer offer than Barcelona for an international player in January as Tim Steidten gets the ball rolling.
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