Al-Ittihad manager Nuno Espirito Santo has been slammed for his decision to sign Jota.

The former Wolves boss has faced fierce criticism over the costly transfer of Jota from Celtic.

The Portuguese winger made the switch to Saudi over the summer in a deal worth around £25m.

However, speculation over his future at the club has continued since the move with a potential quickfire exit touted amid a lack of game time.

And  Al-Ittihad insider Ahmed Atif spoke on Dorina Gear in Saudi of the 'repeat mistake' made by Santo.

He claimed Jota's transfer to Al-Ittihad is comparable to the signing of Helder Costa from Wolves previously which was not a positive for the club.

Atif explained: "Nuno Santo is the one who bears responsibility for the mistake of excluding the player.

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"Nuno Santo asked for Jota by name.

"It is a mistake which he has was repeated after excluding Helder Costa in the past, and these cost the club."

Since his move to Saudi, Jota has played five times for Al-Ittihad. However, that amounts to just 133 minutes of game time with the majority of his appearances from the bench.

He has scored once for his new club, in a 3-0 win over Al-Wehda after replacing Karim Benzema.

While Jota remains involved in the first-team the rumours of a loan exit have persisted with the most recent claim suggesting he could move to the United Arab Emirates Pro League on loan.

Al-Youm report that clubs have made offers to take the winger on a temporary deal - with the deadline for transfer business open until September 21.

It is further reported that Jota would prefer a move to Fenerbahce on loan, however talks have reportedly been held with UAE sides over a potential loan deal.