Paul Robinson urge Tottenham to seize opportunity to sign Al Ittihad outcast Jota
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…
Tottenham should “take the opportunity” to sign Al Ittihad forward Jota despite him not being a guaranteed starter for the club, according to Paul Robinson.
According to a report by 90min on 3 October, Spurs are monitoring Jota’s situation after he’s struggled in Saudi Arabia since signing from Celtic in the summer. It is understood that the Portuguese attacker wants to terminate his contract in a bid to return to Europe after being left out of Al Ittihad’s Saudi Pro League squad.
Ange Postecoglou worked with Jota at Celtic Park, winning two consecutive league titles, so a reunion could play into Tottenham’s favour should they attempt a deal.
Robinson claims that while Spurs should try to get Jota, he would be a player for the future as he would struggle to get into the squad. He would also see limited minutes while the club are without European football and following their early League Cup exit should a move be sanctioned this season.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Robinson said: “When you get the opportunity to sign a player like Jota and add quality to the squad, then you take the opportunity, especially with the way that the manager has a relationship with players in his international scouting network.
“Anybody who comes into that Spurs squad in January is not guaranteed to start football matches. Look at the way that the team’s playing. You amass the squad and get a strong squad which sees you through the season.
“Do Spurs need a strong squad? They’re not competing in Europe. They’ve not got three or four games a week and the depth of the squad maybe isn’t as apparent.
“I can’t see where Jota would come in and play. Injuries and suspensions through the course of the season, of course. But he’s not a signing for the here and now.”
In other Tottenham news, Postecoglou has named two U21 players who have “really stood out”.