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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Ex-Celtic star Jota involved in Al-Ittihad 'fallout'

The reason for Jota's apparent imminent exit from Al-Ittihad is due to a "fallout" between his teammates, according to a report.

It's said that the former Celtic star has been involved in the situation, which has led to a point where he will leave the Saudi side.

The Portuguese winger joined the Pro League outfit at the end of June this summer. 

He signed as part of a £25million deal, with Celtic securing a club-record fee for the attacker.

Things haven't worked out for Jota in the Middle East though. He's made just three appearances for Al-Ittihad, and that could be his lot.

Since last week, reports have suggested that the Saudi side would need to offload the player in order to comply with league rules over the amount of foreign players permitted in their squad. 

This is because Al-Ittihad are keen to lure Liverpool hero Mohamed Salah to Saudi.

However, now, Saudi newspaper SABQ claims that the real factor behind Jota being allowed to leave the club so soon after signing is that he "can't get along with some teammates."

The source alleges there is a dressing room divide within the Saudi Pro League champions. 

It was recently said that fellow new signing Karim Benzema and boss Nuno Espirito Santo had fallen out. 

But the former Wolves and Tottenham gaffer cooled that speculation. 

He said: "We have a strong group, we are happy with all the players. Happy to have Karim and Karim is happy, you can see that on the pitch.

"He is enjoying playing for Ittihad. I understand where this is coming from, but we are a group very strong. All my players are important to me, even those on the bench, including Jota."

It comes just a day after Jota had toilet roll hurled at him by Al-Ittihad fans.

The ex-Celtic star had loo roll playfully lobbed in his direction by his own fans ahead of the victory over Al-Riyadh last night.

Walking alongside a member of club staff, Jota appeared to enjoy the bizarre moment as he even attempted to catch some of toilet roll lobbed from the stands.

Jota was named on the bench for the Saudi Pro League clash but did come on in the 67th minute.

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