Saudi Arabia's moneybags bid to take over football has struck Scotland with Al-Ittihad’s move for Celtic ace Jota. A £20m-plus offer could be as tempting for the Hoops as the personal windfall thrown at the player himself if he decides to join the likes of Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante in the Saudi Pro League.
Jota’s got a big decision to make. But not all Hotline callers appear to be understanding. Paul McCormack, Coatbridge, said: “Jota looks like leaving to play in a league full of players topping up their pensions. At least most of those players have seen it and done it all before they made that move. He's given up any chance of playing at the highest level, at 24, not for ambition, but for money. What a shame.”
Robert Livingstone, Palm Beach, said: “Sadly it's all about money, get as much as you can while you can. Loyalty is a meaningless word to players nowadays.
"Of course people will say why not take as much as you can get from mega rich EPL and Saudi Arabia clubs? They've got a money pit. Maybe they should look at 75-year-old Roy Hodgson who saved Crystal Palace twice from relegation and he’s back again. It’s not for the money, he's there for the love of his boyhood club, that's how it used to be once upon a time love of your club, money came second.”
Right on cue though, Neil Renton, Leith, argued: “I’m looking forward to Celtic fans moaning about Jota leaving for money. It’s what Celtic have been doing to Scottish clubs for years, taking all the best talent and paying more than the players are getting. Funny now the shoe is on the other foot.”
But Eddie Easson, Ballingry, was understanding, saying: “Like most Celtic supporters I will be sad to see Jota leave if he goes. Let's get into the real world the man is going get life changing money and the club will bank millions. Reinvestment is the key. Sadly the money these countries have will change sport forever.”
Andrew Adams, Kirkcaldy, claimed: “Celtic are reluctant to sell Jota? No, they're more than happy to sell, as they are with any players who meet their valuation. It’s been the case for years and will continue to be the case. He’s over-hyped anyway so he's no loss.”
One Treble hero who definitely won’t be pulling on the Hoops next season is Aaron Mooy after the midfielder’s shock decision to retire from professional football.
William Hutchison, Aberdeen, sent a message to the Socceroo star saying: “I just want to say good luck on your retirement Aaron Mooy. Sad to see you finishing up, since you came into our team your were brilliant and you’re leaving with a few winners’ medals. Good luck for future.”
Meanwhile Celtic’s pre-season plans have taken a double blow with Wolves and Roma pulling out of glamour friendlies in South Korea leaving the Hoops to face J-League duo Gamba Osaka and Yokahama Marinos.
Gary Stevenson, Newtonhill, said: “Excellent planning from Celtic. Flying 5500 miles to face Gamba Osaka and Yokahama Marinos. You could have stayed in Strathclyde and faced better opposition.”
Movement out at Celtic perhaps but Rangers have added another new face with the loan arrival of Abdallah Sima from Brighton.
And Gordon Ferguson, Kilwinning, said: “I know most Celtic fans think that another Treble is guaranteed and Brendan will lead Celtic to the promised land in Europe but I’m quietly optimistic that Michael Beale might just be building something at Ibrox. He’s got rid of Morelos and Kent freeing up money. I cant wait to watch Bealeball next season we welcome the chase.”
But Bill Park, Bathgate, said; “Rangers are going to get another speedster up front in Abdallah Sima, to join the two they already have. The problem has been lack of goals, and they need to get a striker's coach such as Kenny Miller in to improve their ability to put the ball in the net.”
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