Despite an early exit from the FA Cup, and a small dip in form in the Premier League, West Ham United are sitting sixth in the English topflight. David Moyes’ club also topped their Europa League group. The Hammers are considered outside contenders to win another piece of European silverware following last season’s Europa Conference League triumph. According to a report from France, the East London club is close to adding another attacker, with Portuguese winger Jota eager to complete a move to the capital.
Jota Appears Set to Leave Saudi Arabia for West Ham
Watch: Football Fans Are Being Lied To
West Ham United Agree Personal Terms with Jota
Late Monday morning, French journalist Santi Aouna posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, that there was an “agreement reached between Jota and West Ham.” The 24-year-old currently plays for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Pro League. His appearances, though, have been limited. Manager Marcello Gallardo prefers to deploy French striker Karim Benzema and Brazilians Igor Coronado and Romarinho as his frontline.
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Aouna noted that there are productive talks “taking place between Al-Ittihad and West Ham.” Jota joined the Saudi club from Celtic this summer. Last season the Portuguese winger helped The Bhoys secure the domestic treble with an impressive league tally of 11 goals and 11 assists. With Nadi Al-Sha’ab, he participated in the 2023 Club World Cup, ultimately falling to Africa’s representative Al Ahly.
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Al Ittihad Could Reach a ‘Full Agreement’ Before January Transfer Deadline
The French journalist has noted that “sources feel (the) clubs they can reach full agreement” before the end of the January transfer window. A product of Benfica’s youth academy, Jota struggled to reach his full potential in Portugal and Spain before a 2021 loan to Celtic saw him find his best form. At the end of the loan, the Scottish giants decided to bring him to Glasgow on a permanent transfer.
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The player is understood to be eager to complete a move to David Moyes’ Jota was “waiting for the green light from the clubs to travel to UK medicals.” A UEFA Euro U17 champion with Portugal in 2016, and twice runner-up for other youth-level Euros, the forward has been labelled an “incredible talent” and has plenty to offer to Moyes and the Hammers.
