Wanted winger Jota looks set to seal his Celtic exit for a big-money move to Al-Ittihad - but the reason for the Portuguese star to leave the Scottish champions could go beyond cash.
In what looks set to be his final interview as a Parkhead player, the 24-year-old left breadcrumbs for supporters that another factor could come into play in terms of his future. Jota has impressed in the Scottish Premiership since arriving in the country from Benfica in 2021, on an initial loan deal that was made permanent last summer, and lifted five pieces of silverware during a trophy-laden spell under Ange Postecoglou.
But he is now set to trade the title fight with Celtic and the Champions League group stage challenge in the new Brendan Rodgers era for a life-changing £200k-a-week sum in Saudi Arabian club and line up alongside Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante next season. While the sums involved are certainly eye-watering - Celtic will pocket a fee in the region of £25million - the exit of Postecoglou for Tottenham could also weigh heavy on his decision.
After claiming the Scottish Cup and securing a domestic Treble the Australian made the move to the English Premier League. And in an emotionally charged debrief at Hampden, he hinted that he was a major subscriber to the Angeball philosophy, stating: "We knew that game by game if we stuck to our principles and did it well we would be closer to win and achieve that (the Treble). Today on the last day we did it. I am proud of everyone."
The forward was quizzed about the future of the boss before Postecoglou made the switch to north London. He responded: "Ange is definitely someone who will be mired in Celtic history forever. What he has been doing throughout these two years is just unbelievable.
"It is just brilliant to have a coach like that. We just hope we can do it again for a lot of years."
With that "lot of years" Postecoglou dream now no longer a reality, Jota could have decided that now was the time for a change in his club football. He clearly had a bond with the Spurs boss - highlighted by the irked winger bringing an abrupt end to his TV interview.
Having been pressed on Postecoglou's future he responded: "That's not a question for me." with the 24-year-old then walking away shaking his head.
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