Tottenham ready to exploit Saudi transfer loophole to secure Postecoglou reunion

23 September 2023 , 21:30

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Jota could leave Saudi Arabia just months after joining Al-Ittihad

Former Celtic star Jota’s Saudi Arabian misadventure has put Premier League clubs on alert — with Tottenham among them.

‌The long-term injury Ivan Perisic has suffered means Spurs are looking at options out wide, with Heung-min Son being used between his more traditional role on the wing and more centrally by new boss Ange Postecoglou this season.

‌Postecoglou wants a new forward and the scenario Jota finds himself in following his £25million move from the Bhoys to Al-Ittihad in the summer means he could be an option. The Saudi side signed nine overseas players but Pro League rules state that only eight can be registered in their squads.

‌That means Jota’s game time will be limited to AFC Champions League and Club World Cup games only. The player has reportedly had a request for termination of his contract rejected, with boss Nuno Espirito Santo keen to keep him long term.

Nuno dismissed the issues with the player as an “internal matter” and suggested he remains in his plans for continental matches. But that won’t stop him weighing up his options in January.

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‌Postecoglou worked with the player at Celtic Park, making a reunion a real possibility. Jota made his feelings clear on Postecoglou following his appointment as Spurs boss.

"To a man who gave me a life opportunity, never lost belief in his philosophy and marked an era. I'll forever be grateful for every moment. Best of luck gaffer!"

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou could set up a reunion with former Celtic star Jota

Postecoglou admitted that the injury to Perisic, on the eve of his first North London Derby against Arsenal was a major blow to his burgeoning project. “It's disappointing for us because he's been a really important part of what we've done so far.

“We don't have a great experience in the group and he's one that does have that level head and he's been pretty significant in our games so far and in big moments. So like I said, disappointed for him and disappointed for us in terms of what we're trying to build.

The Aussie boss added: “He's very strong willed and I've got no doubt he'll come back for club and country and get back to the levels he showed before he got injured.”

Tom Hopkinson