"I think he has got the quality to play in the Premier League" - Tottenham backed to sign Saudi Pro League star after complicated transfer
Former Tottenham Hotspur defender Alan Hutton believes Al-Ittihad's Jota could be a good addition to Ange Postecoglou's side this winter. The 24-year-old winger moved to the Saudi Pro League just this summer but has been tipped to leave the club in January.
Jota was expected to light up the Saudi league following his £25 million move from Celtic this summer. However, after five league appearances for Al-Ittihad, he was dropped from their squad list for the Saudi Pro League.
He managed to score once for his new side but is now left in limbo, with a winter move looking highly likely. Tottenham are one of the teams reported to be interested in the former Portugal under-21 international and Hutton thinks he will be a good addition.
He told Football Insider:
“He will be on massive wages you would have thought but if he were to join on loan, Spurs would only have to pay part of that. Ange [Postecoglou] obviously knows him really well and knows what he is capable of.
“I think that is a position where Tottenham probably could have a little bit of competition, the likes of Son (Heung-min) and (Dejan) Kulusevski play on the outside but I think he could add something to it.
“I think he has got the quality to play in the Premier League, he is at a good age, he is still getting better and it is always a little bit easier when you know the manager because you feel like you are onto a winning start already. What a player he could be.”
Jota reportedly earns £200,000 per week in Saudi Arabia but a loan deal will possibly save Spurs from paying all of it.
Tottenham Hotspur enjoy solid start to the new season
Tottenham Hotspur are currently leading the Premier League table following a solid start to the new season. They are one of the only two unbeaten teams in the league so far and have accumulated 20 points after eight games.
They are level on points with north London rivals Arsenal, who are second on goals scored. Spurs have three London derbies coming up in the league with Fulham, Crystal Palace and Chelsea their opponents for the next three games.
With no European football this season, Tottenham will have an upper hand over the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City. But few expect them to sustain this momentum long enough to be part of title race conversations.