Jota 'would love' Celtic transfer return but faces one major stumbling block

Jota would reportedly love to return to Celtic this summer to end his Saudi hell.

The winger swapped Parkhead for the Middle East last summer in a stunning £25million transfer, a record-equalling sale for a Scottish club. But it quickly turned into a nightmare when Al-Ittihad brought in more foreign players than they could register for the Pro League, and the 25-year-old was the one sacrificed and left off the list.

That meant he was unable to play in league matches and was only available for the Asian Champions League and cup clashes. And as a result, speculation over a transfer exit begun almost immediately with interest from the Premier League, including from Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham.

A return to Celtic has also often been mooted and the Portuguese star would love to make that happen, according to Saudi outlet TV 24. However, the high salary he will be on at Ittihad is likely to get in the way of a dream return and it is said a move to the Premier League would be best for all parties. As well as Tottenham, Newcastle and West Ham were linked in the past.

Other reports in Saudi Arabia suggest that Manchester United's Marcus Rashford is an Ittihad target, which could further pave the way for Jota's exit. They're said to be ready to move on several of their current foreign players to make way, including the former Hoops man.