Football in Saudi Arabia is going into a frenzy over Jota - with rival fans even demanding their club hijack the deal.
The Celtic star is believed to have agreed terms on a switch to Al-Ittihad who are ready to make Jota their third blockbuster European arrival, having already landed Karim Benzema from Real Madrid and N'Golo Kante from Chelsea this summer. The Hoops are reluctant to sell but there's a feeling the £25m bid is seen as too good to turn down, while Jota has been tempted by a long-term deal worth almost £200,000 per week untaxed.
The hype is hitting fever pitch and fans at Al-Ahli - not to be confused with Egyptian giants Al-Ahly - have taken to social media to demand the club hijack the deal. According to Almowaten, an Arabic hashtag is trending on Twitter which translates to "Felipe Jota, Ahlawi’s demand," with a club ultras group leading calls for president Khaled Al-Essa to move in on negotiations. There's nothing yet to suggest a rival bid will surface but interest elsewhere could strengthen Celtic's negotiating position in talks which are continuing apace.
Elsewhere in Saudi Arabia, Al Yaum brand Jota "the golden boy" referring to his "54 bright shots" - presumably the combined amount of goal involvements he has managed for Celtic and Benfica. And so3ody.com note it is a "major deal of heavy caliber" as Al-Ittihad strengthen to defend the Pro-League title next season.
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