Chris Sutton firmly believes Jota going to Saudi Arabia is for nothing more than money and with the Celtic star not even in his prime yet it is 'such a waste.'
The Hoops star has been reportedly lined up by Al-Ittihad in a deal that could reach the £25million mark in a transfer fee for the Scottish champions.
Ange Postecoglou shelled out £6.5m last summer to bring him on board permanently after a successful loan spell but just 12 months later after penning a long-term deal he could be on the move - with Benfica due a 30 per cent slice of the fee if it happens.
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The 24-year-old had another stunning season in Glasgow as he netted 15 goals and provided 12 assists in all competitions including a memorable free-kick away at Real Madrid in the Champions League.
He labelled that moment as one of the best in his life despite the heavy defeat in the Bernabeu but Sutton can't wrap his head around why he would want to trade away these moments at such an early point in his career.
Roberto Martinez has previously stated he is on Portugal's radar for international recognition but the Hoops hero has warned Jota that opportunity will also vanish if he makes the switch to the Gulf State. He understands that the money on offer could turn his head but has asked 'at what cost' in terms of his future career.
Writing in his Daily Record column, he said: "Remember that Brendan Rodgers banner about trading immortality for mediocrity?
"Jota will be trading his career at the top level for money. Simple as that. Let’s not sugar coat it here. If he moves to Saudi Arabia, spare us any talk it's for footballing reasons. It will be for cold hard cash. Nothing more.
"Listen, I get how his head could be turned. The numbers being quoted are unbelievable, with talk of up to £10m a year. It’s a heck of a lot of money – but at what cost?
"Jota is 24 years-old and not even in his prime yet. It was a similar story with Ruben Neves leaving Wolves for the Gulf State at 26.
"These guys are going into semi-retirement before they have even made a proper impact at the top level. It’s such a waste.
"I know people are going to say Scottish football isn’t exactly the best league in the world but it still has history, heritage and it gives a platform to play in the Champions League.
"People might point to me moving to Scotland. That was completely different. I knew Celtic were a huge club with big ambitions. I knew it would give me a big stage and the chance to play in Europe. Celtic had players like Henrik Larsson, Rangers had the De Boers and Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
"It was an exciting time, it wasn’t a big money home for stars on the slide. I wasn't offered the kinds of sums Jota and others are being offered, but I did turn down a few chances to go to far flung places for more cash. I wasn't interested. Scottish football has its critics but I knew I was playing for a top club and competing with the best every year.
"As the Saudi Pro League? Yes, there are some big names who are going there, but you can’t tell me the overall standard is great.
"Jota seems to like the limelight, he loves the social media poses and so on. If he goes there he will be forgotten about. He can also forget about his national team. This is a player who wasn’t too far off making the Portugal World Cup squad. If he makes this move he might as well give up on that dream.
"If Jota was moving to the Premier League or Bundesliga, I don’t think that would stick in the throat so much. After all, that is Celtic’s model and you can’t complain too much when the big bids come in.
"Jota’s destination is the most disappointing thing – and there’s no doubt it’s a huge blow to Celtic and to Brendan Rodgers.
"This is Celtic’s most creative player. He brings something different to the side and he turns up in the big games. He’s been a terrific signing and even if they do get top dollar, he’s going to be extremely difficult to replace.
"Celtic fans will find new heroes but I find it sad when Jota could be running out at the Nou Camp or the Bernabeu instead he’ll be counting his cash in the desert."
