Former Celtic star Jota will not be leaving his new Saudi team on loan, according to a report.

Speculation had mounted earlier this week that the Portuguese winger would be farmed out on loan by Al Ittihad.

The 24-year-old only arrived at the Saudi Pro League side earlier this summer. 

He pocketed Celtic a hefty sum, as Al Ittihad forked out a whopping £25million for the ex-Benfica attacker.

Jota has endured a frustrating start to life in the Middle East though, with his appearances mainly limited from the bench. 

He was used as a substitute by boss Nuno Espirito Santo last night as they defeated Al Taee 2-0 on home soil.

It comes amid the backdrop of rumours that Al Ittihad may look to move a number of their foreign players out on loan, including Jota.

Al-Shabab were said to be interested in the former Hoops hero. 

However, according to Shoot, Jota's fate will be to stay put at Al Ittihad for now.

They state that Espirito Santo won't consider moving on any of his big summer buys yet, including Jota, Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, or Fabinho.

Jota was afforded just 15 minutes from the bench on Saturday evening to show what he could do for the Saudi Pro League giants.

READ MORE: Tottenham fans copy Celtic's Ange Postecoglou chant

Speaking earlier this summer about the possibility of Jota going on loan, Espirito Santo said: "Jota needs time. A player with talent and skill, a new team, and a new place, of course, that needs time. As is the case with the rest of the newly-joined players.

"I would be unfair and unfair if I evaluated the players now. I am a positive person."

Glasgow Times:

Our Celtic Digest newsletter brings exclusive content directly to you rather than solely through the website. You can already find us on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram but we will also send bespoke opinion pieces and special features directly to your email inbox every evening. Not only will you receive this article from Sean Martin, Tony Haggerty or Aidan Macdonald (or, sometimes, from all three) but you will also get easy access to our best content from the last 24 hours too. It’s a great way to keep up to date with what’s happening at Ange Postecoglou’s Scottish champions. To sign up, simply take five seconds to type in your email here. Simple!