‘Impossible’ obstacle emerges in West Ham United bid for Jota ahead of January transfer deadline
West Ham are keen to complete a loan move to sign Jota from Al-Ittihad before the end of the January transfer window, but some think a tax issue will be impossible to resolve, according to Jacob Steinberg.
The Guardian journalist reported on 29 January that the tax issue is the main obstacle in the way of the move, with the Hammers keen on bringing in a new winger before 1 February.
Jota only moved to Saudi Arabia from Celtic in the summer but was immediately left out of their registered squad, and is now searching for a move back to Europe.
Complications to resolve
While it is reported that some see the obstacle as impossible to overcome, it has to be assumed that West Ham would not have begun talks over a move any more than internal discussions if there was no indication that the deal could be completed.
The tax issues in question would be with regard to his wage received while in Saudi Arabia, which has so far been tax-free, but a move back to the UK would mean the money falls under English tax laws – something that may put the forward off of a move.
The same complications were mentioned when Jordan Henderson left Al-Ettifaq, with moves to England mooted before his eventual transfer to Ajax meant it was not an issue to contend with.
West Ham will be confident of getting this deal done before the transfer deadline, but the obstacle could be difficult to overcome. Their bid to bring in a winger late in the transfer window is likely to rumble on until it slams shut on 1 February.
In other West Ham news, David Ornstein has shared his update on the Jota situation.
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