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Jota 'mysteriously departs Al-Ittihad' just ONE MONTH after joining

Jota mysteriously departs AlIttihad just ONE MONTH after joining
The 24-year-old joined the Saudi Pro League side from Celtic in a £25 million deal in July after establishing himself as a fan favourite in his two years in Glasgow .

Former Celtic winger Jota 'mysteriously departs Al-Ittihad' just ONE MONTH after joining the Saudi Pro League side for £25m

By Michael Rudling For Mailonline

Published: 11:01 BST, 21 August 2023 | Updated: 12:02 BST, 21 August 2023

Portuguese winger Jota 'has left Al-Ittihad' just one month after joining the Saudi Pro League side.

The 24-year-old signed from Celtic in a £25million deal in July after establishing himself as a fan favourite during his two years in Glasgow.

In doing so, he joined up with the likes of Fabinho, Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante in a star-studded team that won the Saudi Pro League last season.

Jota has already made two goalless appearances for this side, but reports in Saudi Arabia suggest he has now left the club.

No explanation has been given for the winger's mysterious exit, although journalist Sami Al Qadi has suggested he may be sent out on loan.

Portuguesa winger Jota has mysteriously left Saudi side Al-Ittihad just one month after signing
Portuguesa winger Jota has mysteriously left Saudi side Al-Ittihad just one month after signing

Portuguesa winger Jota has mysteriously left Saudi side Al-Ittihad just one month after signing

He arrived from Celtic for £25m last month and had already made two appearances
He arrived from Celtic for £25m last month and had already made two appearances

He arrived from Celtic for £25m last month and had already made two appearances

Jota came off the bench for Al-Ittihad on Saturday in their 2-0 Saudi Pro League victory over Al-Ta'ee. 

Wherever he does end up, Jota has proven himself to be an exciting and tricky winger in his career to date.

He has long been highly thought of in his native Portugal and racked up 73 international youth appearances, winning the Euros at U17 and U19 levels.

The forward has never made a senior international appearance, though, and failed to make Portugal's squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after initially being named in their provisional squad.

He has excelled in Scotland and in the Portuguese second tier with Benfica B, but struggled in his two seasons in La Liga and the Primeira Liga.

Jota scored just twice in 28 games in his one full season with the Benfica first team, and twice in 18 games during a season on loan at Real Valladolid.

While his situation remains a mystery, Al-Ittihad have made an excellent start to the season and sit top of the league after wins in both of their opening games. 

Al-Ittihad, who also signed N'Golo Kante (left) and Karim Benzema (centre) this summer, currently sit top of the Saudi Pro League after winning their opening two games
Al-Ittihad, who also signed N'Golo Kante (left) and Karim Benzema (centre) this summer, currently sit top of the Saudi Pro League after winning their opening two games

Al-Ittihad, who also signed N'Golo Kante (left) and Karim Benzema (centre) this summer, currently sit top of the Saudi Pro League after winning their opening two games

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