West Ham United could still complete Jota transfer as London Stadium wage issue raised
West Ham could yet finalise a deal for Al-Ittihad winger Jota before Tuesday evening’s (30 January) transfer deadline for Saudi Arabian clubs, according to Ben Jacobs.
The Irons have been linked with both the Portugal Under-21s international and FC Midtjylland ace Ibrahim Osman in recent days.
Complications surrounding tax issues are said to have thrown a spanner in the works, but CBS journalist Jacobs insists a last-gasp deal cannot be ruled out.
“The player and the club want to find a solution, so this is one to keep an eye on right until the Saudi window shuts at midnight tonight,” he said on Caught Offside’s The Debrief podcast.
“Something has to give today. West Ham are considering it because they are unable to get a deal for Ibrahim Osman over the line due to the price that’s being asked.
“Jota would like an 18-month loan, but this tax complications and also the wage may be a stumbling block. I say ‘may’ because the reports about Saudi wages can be exaggerated.
“At the most extreme, Jota’s wages are around €225,000 a week, which some sources stack up, which is about £190,000.
“That’s important because it would make Jota the club’s highest earner, £40k or so more per week than next-highest Lucas Paqueta.
“Other sources suggest his wages are closer to £80,000 a week, which is well within West Ham’s budget. If they can resolve the tax situation, they may be able to get it over the line in the coming hours.”
Concerns raised
One way or another, West Ham could do with bringing in either Jota or Osman before the transfer window closes.
That would likely mean Said Benrahma’s exit being sanctioned, but it would ultimately leave United’s squad stronger than it was on 1 January.
Osman looked like he was on his way to London Stadium last week, only for concerns to arise regarding the true cost of the deal.
Jota is better known to casual football watchers than Osman following his time in the Scottish Premiership with Celtic.
The 24-year-old was involved in 16 goals in 24 league games for Celtic in his only season with the club, while also scoring and assisting a combined four goals in the Champions League.
It has previously been reported that an 18-month loan deal would suit all parties if Jota’s wages are covered, and that is where the big issue comes from.
If he is indeed on £190k a week, it goes without saying the Irons will not be paying that. If it is a more reasonable sum, though, then it makes perfect sense to get this one over the line before time runs out.
In other West Ham news, Alex Crook says the club are “working overtime” to finalise a move prior to the window closing.
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