Celtic see Jota change the rules as transfer 'trigger' not available amid shifting Saudi millions mandate

In-demand Jota looks set to seal his Celtic departure for cash-rich Al-Ittihad in the coming days - marking a sudden change in mandate for the Parkhead star.

The winger has turned heads since making an initial loan switch to the Scottish Premiership from Benfica in 2021 before making the move permanent last summer - as he laid out his goals for a second season at Parkhead and credited the lure of Champions League football as vital in the deal. Brendan Rodgers has set a focus on making a mark in European football next term following his return to the Celtic dugout - but will not have the Portuguese in his frontline for the push next term.

Despite his dreams of Europe's elite competition being a key factor in the initial deal, a life-changing wage boost to the tune of around £200k per week as the big-spending Saudi Arabian club appears to have shifted the mandate for Jota. Celtic are close to banking a £25m deal, while the 24-year-old will line up alongside Karim Benzema and N'Golo Kante next season.

However, the Champions League dream will be put on hold for Jota 12 months despite stating after penning a permanent deal with the Scottish champions: "Champions League is probably the best club competition in the world. Of course it is always a trigger for a player to come and play in the Champions League.

"We have to be honest about that and I am no exception. It is something that I really like and everyone kept saying to me, 'Jota, it is something special so you better stay at Celtic'. I have already made my debut in the Champions League with Benfica. I know the atmosphere and the feeling but every club is different so here it will be different."

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