Jota finds ally in bizarre Celtic transfer exit saga as Karim Benzema hints at Al Ittihad stance amid loan jeopardy
dailyrecord.co.ukJota has faced a whirlwind few weeks since swapping Celtic for Al-Ittihad in a mega-money switch to the Saudi Pro League -with speculation ramping up that he could be sent out on loan.But he appears to have found a superstar ally in his fight for first-team football - with Karim Benzema continuing his bromance with Portuguese winger behind the scenes in the Middle East.
Jota has been a regular for Ittihad since leaving the Scottish Premiership behind off the back of helping to bring a Treble to Celtic Park - lining up alongside big names like Benzema and N'Golo Kante in Jeddah.Boss Nuno Espirito Santo has stated he would be given time to adjust to life in Saudi but with Pro League rules limiting the number of foreign players that are allowed in each squad the forward has reportedly been offered to fellow clubs by the Ittihad powerbrokers to make way for another big name recruit.
Al-Shabab are reportedly leading the signing race. Former Real Madrid striker Benzema has struck up an immediate bond with the former Celtic star following his arrival - with social media clips showing the pair engaging in dance routines at training and taking on drills alongside each other.
And that bond appears to be strong despite persistent exit rumours. Benzema took to Instagram to share a snap alongside Jota during a squad training exercise.
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