Following the rejection of their most recent attempt to sign Ibrahim Osman of Nordsjaelland, West Ham is reportedly in negotiations with Al-Ittihad winger Jota over a possible 18-month loan agreement, as reported by The Standard.
The 24-year-old, who is still highly regarded after his time at Celtic under Ange Postecoglou, is someone David Moyes admires, according to a story published on the newspaper’s website on January 30.
Read Also:AFCON Star Carries Crying Teammate Off The Pitch After Traumatic Loss
Pay was anticipated to be a deal-killer, but according to The Standard, the winger only receives £80,000 a week in Saudi Arabia, as opposed to the £200,000 that is supposedly paid weekly. [Hugh & Claret, January 29]
A better deal than expected
Initial rumours surrounding a loan move were exciting at West Ham, but if that move is for 18 months rather than just the six until the end of the season, the move becomes even more appealing for the Hammers.
His 28 goals and 26 assists in 83 games in Scotland show promising numbers, and if he could translate those to the Premier League, and should this deal go through, Moyes could have a real player on his hands.
With his wages seemingly agreeable at £80,000 per week, given reports that West Ham are paying Kalvin Phillips’ £135,000 per week wages in full during his loan spell, it seems to be only tax issues which stand in the way of this deal going through.
However, the report also shares that Spurs boss Postecoglou has reservations about whether Jota could cut it in the Premier League, despite having managed him at Celtic and therefore knowing his game best, so that may be one to keep an eye on.
COMMENTS