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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Celtic release statement as Jota to Al-Ittihad transfer exit confirmed

Celtic have released a statement on Jota's transfer exit to join Al-Ittihad.

The Parkhead club confirmed the news of Jota's departure after the Saudi club shared a signing announcement post.

It's thought Celtic will receive a transfer fee in the region of £25million for the winger just one season on from signing him permanently for £6.5m.

However, a percentage of the transfer fee will be due to Benfica due to a clause in the deal to initially bring him to Parkhead on permanent terms. 

The short statement, accompanied by a video compilation, read: "After two seasons with the club, one on loan from Benfica and one on a full contract, Portuguese winger, Jota has left Celtic to join Saudi Arabian club, Al-Ittihad.

"In his time in the Hoops, Jota won two league titles as well as picking up winner’s medals in both the Scottish and League Cups.

"Everyone at Celtic Football Club wishes Jota success in his future career."

Jota completed a medical in Dubai on Monday before finalising terms on a lucrative contract with the Saudi Pro League side which could see him paid £200,000-per-week. 

And he'll link up with N'Golo Kante and Karim Benzema as new team-mates at Al-Ittihad as a raft of football superstars head for the Saudi set-up.

An Al-Ittihad statement read: "Ittihad Club has officially announced the signing of Portuguese player Jota Filipe from Scottish club Celtic. 

"The term of the contract is three years.

"The signing took place on Sunday, July 3, in the presence of Mr Anmar Abdullah Alhailee, the chairman of the Ittihad Club non-profit foundation board, and Mr Ahmad Issam Kaaki, the vice chairman of the board.

"Prior to the signing, the player successfully completed a medical examination at a specialised medical centre in Dubai.

"The chairman of the board expressed his well wishes to the player, hoping for his success in fulfilling the aspirations of all Ittihad's fans and supporters."

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