Jota told Celtic transfer exit to Al Ittihad is loaded with hurdles as Nuno Santo promises to play fair after loan talk

Jota won't be judged quite yet at Al-Ittihad after reports in the Middle East he could be set for an quickfire Saudi Arabian loan exit after leaving Celtic.

The Portuguese winger and the Premiership champions cashed in earlier this summer when the big-spending Saudi Pro League side managed by Nuno Espirito Santo splashed £25m on him. Superstar names like Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante and Fabinho have also joined and Arabic media suggested Jota could leave on loan to free up another international space for an attacking heavy-hitter to arrive.

Nuno Espirito Santo has now commented on the star who shone for Celtic over two years under Ange Postecoglou, and won't rush to conclusions on him yet. Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, the former Tottenham boss says his countryman will be evaluated like the rest of his summer signings. He said: "Jota needs time, a player with talent and skill, a new team and a new place, of course, that needs time.

"As is the case with the rest of the newly joined players. I would be unfair and unfair if I evaluated the players now, I am a positive person."

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