David Moyes’ West Ham United are attempting to recruit Jota in the final days of the January transfer window.
That is according to talkSPORT writer Alex Crook, who has reported on the steps West Ham has taken to complete a transaction.
So, what’s been said about West Ham United and Jota? Let’s have a look.
West Ham United wants to sign Jota.
According to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook of GiveMeSport, West Ham United are looking to capture former Celtic winger Jota in the last days of the January transfer window.
Crook claims that West Ham have spoken directly with the Al-Ittihad winger. According to the article, several Premier League clubs have also contacted the Portuguese winger. Newcastle United has been linked. Tottenham Hotspur are also interested.
The dilemma for West Ham in recruiting Jota is that he earns £200,000 per week. The Guardian’s Jacob Steinberg reports that the Hammers are considering a loan deal for the 24-year-old.
Crook told GiveMeSport: “They’re not too far apart, I don’t believe (with Ibrahim Osman), about €4 million in terms of what they’ve offered and what the selling club is willing to accept. I believe the sporting director, Tim Steidten, is driving this one.
“They’ve also spoken with another player, Jota. I’ve been told that up to four or five Premier League clubs have spoken with him, but he earns £200,000 per week, which is an issue.
“I suppose Steidten believes they need an out-and-out number nine, but David Moyes does not. So, maybe the emphasis is more on bringing a sort of wide forward who can play in the middle if needed, like Jarrod Bowen.
My View: West Ham should not sign Jota.
In my opinion, West Ham United should not sign Jota, even on loan, this week. I believe it would be a hazardous signing for the Hammers.
First and foremost, Jota’s pay is extremely high. Would Al-Ittihad truly be willing to subsidise his weekly income of £200,000? What would be the benefit to them?
Second, Jota has no experience playing in the Premier League. That does not guarantee he would be a success in England, but keep in mind that he was playing in the Scottish Premiership only a few months ago and hasn’t played much since.
Jota has made five substitute appearances in the Saudi Pro League and four appearances in the AFC Champions League for Al-Ittihad this season.
Will the winger be able to make an immediate impact for West Ham? I’m not so sure.
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