‘Of course, he will’ – Pundit expects Spurs target to push for January transfer 

Alan Hutton expects rumoured Tottenham target Jota to push for a move away from Al-Ittihad in January, in search of regular game time.

It has been widely reported over the last few weeks that Tottenham are keeping an eye on Jota, who has been frozen out of the first-team picture at Al-Ittihad due to the Saudi club being over the limit of foreign players allowed (TEAMtalk).

Some outlets have suggested that the Portuguese star could be made available on loan, with the Lilywhites alleged to be exploring a temporary move for the player (Football Insider).

However, Tottenham are not thought to be the only club after Jota, with Celtic said to be keen on re-signing him (Glasgow World) while Newcastle also allegedly hold a serious interest in the winger (Tribal Football).

Spurs may have one advantage over other suitors if some reports are to be believed, with 90 min claiming on November 17 that the winger’s number one preference would be to reunite with Ange Postecoglou at N17.

Hutton expects Jota to transfer in January

Hutton believes that despite the significant pay package that Jota earns in the Saudi Pro League, he would be keen on a return to Europe to play regularly.

The former Tottenham right-back told Football Insider about the 24-year-old: “He might be regretting his disastrous move from Celtic.

“Obviously, it’s not quite worked out for him in terms of playing time. But financially, with the wage structure he’s on, contracts and stuff like that – that’s the good side to it. 

“At the end of the day though, he’s young, he needs to be playing week-in, week-out. It’s not happening for him in Saudi. It’s not adding up to be a good transfer, especially as he was so highly regarded at Celtic and what he brought to that team. He was their main guy.

“Is he going to look to get out permanently or on loan this January? Of course, he will! He’s young and he wants to play games, but financially he will be very secure.”

Spurs Web Opinion

If Jota wants to return to Europe permanently, he will likely have to take a significant pay cut as I cannot see the likes of Spurs or Newcastle matching what he earns at Al-Ittihad.

While the 24-year-old would be able to settle in quickly due to the fact that he knows Ange’s system, there is little evidence to suggest that he is good enough to make a big impact at Premier League level.