Crystal Palace and Fulham are ready to rival Tottenham in the pursuit of wantaway Al-Ittihad winger Jota in the January window.
According to 90min, Tottenham have the company of Fulham and Crystal Palace in the pursuit of 24-year-old Portuguese winger Jota. The former Celtic star faces an uncertain future at Saudi side Al-Ittihad, as he could reunite with former boss Ange Postecoglou at Spurs.
The summer window saw the presence of the Saudi Pro League and their pursuit of some top talents in Europe. Some of those clubs plucked top talents from the continent, including former Celtic star Jota, as Al-Ittihad paid £25 million for the prolific winger.
While he looked like a key signing for compatriot Nuno Espirito Santos, problems behind the scenes have seen Al-Ittihad take a dramatic turn. Jota was left out of the club’s Saudi Pro League squad, thus fueling speculation about his future.
As things stand, Jota is already in discussions with Al-Ittihad to find a solution. Some sources insist he will look to cancel his contract and take a massive pay, while others suggest the Saudi side could sell the forward to a European club.
These problems started emerging before the European window closed and Tottenham were interested in signing him. However, the player remained with Al-Ittihad, hoping to resolve his issues and start his career in the Saudi Pro League.
Now, as things have become clearer, Jota is likely to depart the club, and Tottenham are considering a move. A reunion with Ange Postecoglou looks likely, with the Australian manager instrumental in signing while at Celtic.
However, Tottenham have the company of Fulham and Crystal Palace in the chase for the 24-year-old Portuguese winger. Both those London sides are keen on adding to their attacking side and may seek a bargain deal for Jota.
Tottenham do have the upper hand in this chase due to the presence of Postecoglou. With the player keen on playing regularly after January, he may evaluate his options and decide on a club where he gets ample game time.
Meanwhile, Tottenham have already signed a similar player in Brennan Johnson on deadline day, but Postecoglou would not hesitate to bring Jota. The 24-year-old Portuguese winger played a vital role during the Australian’s success at Celtic.
Jota registered 28 goals and 26 assists in 83 games, which shows why Postecoglou would not hesitate to bring him to Tottenham. He offers more than what his current wing options do, as the 24-year-old Portuguese winger can make Spurs even stronger in the final third.
