As a Celtic supporter, it’s hard to ignore the whirlwind of emotions that have swept through our ranks this summer. The departure of Ange Postecoglou to Tottenham Hotspur, the unexpected return of Brendan Rodgers, and now, the potential exit of our star winger Jota to Saudi Arabian champions Al-Ittihad. It’s been anything but a quiet summer at Celtic Park.
Yet, amidst the flurry of changes, it’s crucial to take a step back and view the situation from a different perspective. Jota’s potential move to Al-Ittihad, while undoubtedly a loss for Celtic, is a transformative opportunity for the young Portuguese player. The deal, rumoured to be worth over £20 million, offers Jota a life-changing salary of more than £10 million per year, tax-free. It’s the kind of money that can secure not just his future, but that of his family as well.
At just 24 years old, Jota is not even at the prime of his career yet. He has the opportunity to spend a few seasons in the Saudi Pro League, a rapidly growing league attracting some of Europe’s top talents, and then potentially return to Europe to fulfil any remaining ambitions he may have in the game. It’s a move that makes sense for him both financially and professionally.
From Celtic’s perspective, while losing a player of Jota’s calibre is undoubtedly a blow, it’s important to remember that this is part of the club’s model. Celtic has a history of nurturing talent and then selling them on after a couple of seasons. It’s a model that has served us well, allowing us to continually reinvest in new talent and maintain our competitive edge.
In recent years, we’ve seen many great players come through the doors of Celtic Park, only to move on after two or three seasons. It’s a pattern that we’ve come to expect, and while it can be disappointing to see our favourite players leave, it’s a necessary part of the football business.
So, as we brace ourselves for Jota’s potential departure, let’s not harbour any ill feelings. Instead, let’s celebrate the time he spent with us, the goals he scored, and the joy he brought to Celtic Park.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that not all Celtic fans are viewing Jota’s potential move with understanding or acceptance.
There’s a growing concern among sports fans in general about the role of ‘sports washing’ in Saudi Arabia’s recent football acquisitions. This term refers to the use of sport by countries to improve their international reputation, particularly those with questionable human rights records.
The Saudi Sovereign Wealth Fund’s recent takeover of several clubs, including Al-Ittihad, and the subsequent influx of high-profile players, has raised eyebrows. For these fans, Jota’s departure is not just about losing a star player; it’s a stark reminder of the increasing influence of vast wealth in football, an influence that can sometimes overshadow the sport’s traditional values and community roots.
As we look to the future, let’s trust in the Celtic model that has served us so well. Let’s believe in the ability of the club to discover and nurture new talent, and let’s look forward to see how Celtic use the money and who Brendan Rodgers brings in this summer.
