Al Ittihad left Jota out of squad list for Saudi Pro League, registered new player instead

Jota has reportedly been left out of Al Ittihad’s squad list for league matches, despite only signing two months ago.

Back in July, 24-year-old Jota left Scottish Premiership champions Celtic for Saudi Professional League side Al Ittihad in a deal worth a reported £25 million.

After scoring 15 goals and assisting 12 during a fine 22/23 season, many expected him to light up Saudi football.

However, it has been a torrid start for Jota as he appeared to have fallen down the pecking order already.

According to Al Riyadh sports journalist Hattan Al Najjar, Jota will not be included in Al Ittihad’s squad for league matches.

Al Najjar wrote: “Jota will be excluded from the list of [Al Ittihad] professionals in the league, according to the new system.”

Since his £25 million summer transfer, Jota has only played 133 minutes across five matches, scoring one goal in the process.

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This comes after Al Ittihad completed a late deal to bring Luiz Felipe from Spanish La Liga side Real Betis for a reported €22 million.

Felipe is set to replace Jota in the squad as Nuno Espirito Santo picks his squad for the 23/24 season after the closure of the Saudi transfer window.

It has been a busy transfer window for Al Ittihad as they brought in the likes of Karim Benzema, Fabinho and N’Golo Kante.

It was widely reported that they wanted to bring Mohamed Salah to the club, but Liverpool stood firm on the fact that their talisman was not for sale.

Al Ittihad are currently third in the Saudi Professional League table after collecting 12 points from their opening five matches.

Al Hilal are top with 13 points, with Al Taawoun behind only on goal difference.

Al Ittihad will be back in action after the international break as they take on Al Akhdoud on September 14.