Jota Next Club Odds: Could The Portuguese Winger Return To Celtic?

Former Celtic winger Jota has been linked with a dramatic return to Parkhead after making just two appearances for new club Al-Ittihad.

Betting sites make Ittihad the favourites to win a second consecutive Saudi Pro League title after they beat Al-Raed and Al-Ta’ee in their opening two games.

However, Jota started both matches on the bench, and reports now suggest that he could be sold to make way for new arrivals.

He had emerged as one of Celtic’s best players during his time in Glasgow, which convinced the Jeddah-based club to spend £25m on him last month.

However, Saudi teams are restricted to just eight foreign players, and Al-Ittihad are edging towards that limit after signing Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and Fabinho this summer.

Reports now suggest that Jota will be sacrificed in order to open up space in the squad, as Mohamed Salah has been linked with a move.

Manager Nuno Espirito Santo hinted that the club could sign a defender and a winger in the coming days, adding further fuel to the fire. 

UK bookmakers have responded by offering odds on Jota’s next club if he leaves the Saudi champions before the transfer window closes, and we have analysed the leading contenders below.

Back To The Roots: Celtic Tipped As Frontrunners In Jota's Next Club Odds 

Jota could be on the verge of a sensational return to Celtic just a month after bidding an emotional farewell to Hoops fans.

He joined the club on loan from Benfica at the start of the 2021/22 campaign, and he ended up scoring 10 league goals as Celtic cruised to the title.

The Hoops triggered a buyout clause last summer, snapping Jota up for just £6.5m and handing him a five-year deal.

He was in sparkling form once again for the Bhoys, powering them to another Premiership crown, and they made a hefty profit by selling him to Al-Ittihad.

They could now be on the brink of recapturing him for a knockdown price or on loan, as bookies make Celtic the 6/4 favourites to sign Jota this summer.

Betting Insights: Everton Among Top Contenders in Jota Next Club Odds 

However, the Scottish champions could face competition from Premier League clubs if Al-Ittihad decide to offload Jota.

Everton are already in serious danger of being relegated after losing their first two games of the season in meek fashion, and they desperately need attacking reinforcements.

It is, therefore, easy to see why the Toffees are next in the betting at 2/1 with football betting sites to sign Jota before the window slams shut.

Jota Transfer Speculation: Why Tottenham Stands As A Prime Option

A reunion with Ange Postecoglou could also be on the cards for the 24-year-old Portuguese winger this summer.

Postecoglou left Celtic for the bright lights of Tottenham this summer, having led the Hoops to back-to-back titles.

Jota was among his key players throughout his time in Scotland, and he may urge the club to bring the forward to London.

Spurs are flush with cash after selling Harry Kane to Bayern Munich for £100m, and they may need to bolster their attack.

Jota would by no means be a direct replacement, but Tottenham may also need reinforcements on the flanks after Lucas Moura left, so Spurs are also priced at 2/1 to sign Jota.

Jota Transfer Update: Crystal Palace's Favourable Odds As Next Club

Palace are also on the hunt for a tricky winger after star player Wilfried Zaha moved to Galatasaray earlier this summer.

Jeffrey Schlupp started in attack against Sheff Utd in the Eagles’ opening game of the campaign, which suggests that they need more forwards.

Jota could slot seamlessly into their team alongside the likes of Eberechi Eze and Odsonne Edouard, so Palace are 4/1 with new betting sites to snap him up. 

Jota's Future Club: Can Wolves Secure The Deal? Odds And Analysis

Wolves also find themselves marooned in the relegation zone after losing their opening two games of the new season.

They are facing financial constraints, which led manager Julen Lopetegui to leave Molineux this summer.

However, they may be able to rustle up some cash if Jota is available for a bargain price, as they also need more firepower to beat the drop.

They have a long history of signing Portuguese talent since joining the Premier League and Jota would probably feel at home in the Wolves squad.

As such, bookies are offering odds of 9/2 on the Midlands club to sign Jota from Al-Ittihad before the summer transfer window closes.

Transfer Buzz: Jota's Next Club Odds And The Clubs Vying For His Signature

Man Utd are next in the prices at 6/1 on betting apps to sign Jota, but they appear to be well-stocked in the wide areas, so he may not be a priority for the Red Devils.

A more realistic destination could be Craven Cottage, with Fulham priced at 8/1 to sign him this summer.

You can also grab 10/1 on him returning to Portugal, 14/1 on a move to Leeds, 20/1 on any MLS club signing Jota and 33/1 on a controversial move to Rangers.

* Reminder: These are hypothetical odds provided by industry experts.