Saudi champions Al-Ittihad sign Jota from Celtic

Celtic winger Jota has joined Al-Ittihad on a three-year contract, the Saudi Pro League champions announced on Monday.

Financial details were not disclosed but Scottish media reported the transfer fee was £25 million.

Al-Ittihad announced the deal by publishing an animated video of coach Nuno Espirito Santo watching Jota's goals.

???????? ??????? ?? ?????? ???????. ??#JotaIsYellow pic.twitter.com/CcxW4N5scR

— ???? ??????? ??????? (@ittihad) July 3, 2023

"We want to conquer the world," the former Wolverhampton Wanderers coach said in the video with the FIFA Club World Cup in the background.

Al-Ittihad will participate in the Club World Cup which will be held in Jeddah in December as champions of the host country's league.

Jota, 24, becomes Al-Ittihad's third signing after Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema and former Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kante.

The former Benfica forward scored 28 goals and made 26 assists in 83 games after moving to the Scottish champions in 2021.

Welcome Jota ???? #JotaIsYellow pic.twitter.com/gNz7ouIFTC

— Ittihad Club (@ittihad_en) July 3, 2023

The Saudi Pro league has become an attractive destination for Europe-based players since Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Al-Nassr last January.

Last month, the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced a Sports Clubs Investment and Privatization Project involving Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal.

PIF owns 75% of each of the four clubs, while their respective non-profit foundations own 25% of each.