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Newcastle target Jota would reportedly prefer to join Tottenham instead of the Magpies if he leaves Al-Ittihad in the January transfer window. The 24-year-old has endured a torrid time of things since leaving Celtic for the Saudi Pro League after being frozen out of the side due to foreign player registration rules.
Teams in Saudi Arabia are only permitted to name eight foreign players in their squads, with Jota having been left out by Al-Ittihad following the arrivals of Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and several other big hitters. He has only played seven matches for his new club as a result, leading to speculation that he could be on the move again when the transfer window reopens in January.
Newcastle are believed to be keen on bringing Jota to the Premier League, with Saudi outlet So3ody Sports reporting that Eddie Howe is eager to secure a loan deal at the turn of the year. However, it seems as though Tottenham could be in a strong position to beat the Magpies if they decide to join the race for his signature.
Jota has already considered the possibility of a temporary move to north London, according to 90min, with Tottenham eager to add a new winger to their ranks in January. A deal to land Jota would see him reunited with Ange Postecoglou, who managed him at Celtic before taking over at Spurs in the summer.
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Jota bagged 28 goals in 83 games under Postecoglou’s guidance in Scotland and would reportedly ‘love’ to work with his former boss again if the opportunity arises. A loan move to Tottenham could prove to be a shrewd decision if he manages to recapture his previous form, which prompted Ally McCoist to brand him a ‘genius’ last year.
“He is a player,” said McCoist on talkSPORT after Jota produced a match-winning display for Celtic against Aberdeen. “I was looking forward to watching Celtic yesterday, and I did, I enjoyed them, I must admit. Jota, you and I talk about him all the time, he’s a genius.”
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Newcastle, meanwhile, could be forced to explore other avenues even if Jota does not join Tottenham between now and the end of January. Premier League shareholders will vote later this month on whether to block loan signings between clubs with the same owners, which would stop the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia from brokering a deal between the Magpies and Al-Ittihad.
Their search for a new wide forward comes after long-term injuries to Jacob Murphy and summer signing Harvey Barnes, while Miguel Almiron picked up a hamstring issue before the international break. A potential option would be to recall Yankuba Minteh from his loan spell at Feyenoord, but 90min are reporting that Newcastle would prefer him to stay there until the end of the season in order to maximise his development.
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