Jota to Celtic transfer return rumour explodes in Saudi as Al Ittihad fans rage at 'surprising behaviour'

Furious Al-Ittihad fans have lashed out at Jota after a "surprising" social media move left some to conclude he is set to RETURN to Celtic.

The 24-year-old endured a nightmare campaign in the Saudi Pro League following his £25m departure from the Scottish Premiership champions last summer - having initially not been registered on the list of foreign players allowed in the Ittihad league squad. That limited the forward to cameos in cup competitions and occasional Asian Champions League appearances - and despite being brought back into the first-team picture in January he faced an injury-hampered campaign in the Middle East managing just 25 appearances last term.

Off the back of a lacklustre first season in Saudi, the rumour mill has shifted into overdrive after the star cleared the clip of his Ittihad unveiling from his Instagram page. The only video clip now left on the page is his emotional farewell to Celtic.

The move was flagged in the Saudi media with Goal Studio branding it "surprising behaviour" from the Portuguese attacker and noted that the "single clip left could show his expected destination with the player approaching departure."HiHi claim that the move has "raised controversy" both behind the scenes at Ittihad and in the fan base.

Ittihad fans have vented on social media with one stating: "Clearly he only thinks of Glasgow Celtic. They can have him back." Another chimed in on X: "He is not the star of the team and league. If he is a wanted star by big clubs and doesn't play a game, he should leave." One punter aimed at swipe at the Hoops stating: "Sorry, only a lowly club wants you."

While the move has sparked a furious reaction, Jota has also shared a collage of images from his first year in the