‘In contact’… Ange Postecoglou is still speaking to 24-year-old Tottenham target who wants out

Add as preferred source on Google

Journalist Ben Jacobs has suggested that Ange Postecoglou does remain in contact with Jota despite there currently being no indication that Tottenham Hotspur are planning a late move for the winger.

Tottenham have been the team to watch in the Premier League this month. Of course, Spurs have welcomed Timo Werner in on loan and also secured a permanent deal for Radu Dragusin.

It remains to be seen if they look to make further signings. But they have certainly been linked with a host of names, including Jota.

Jota is reportedly looking to leave Al-Ittihad this month just a few months after his switch from Celtic. And there had been speculation that Tottenham could look to sign Jota.

Ange Postecoglou continues to speak with Jota

Ange Postecoglou obviously worked with Jota during his time at Parkhead. He was directly involved in 54 goals in 83 games for the Hoops in all competitions.

Speaking on the Last Word on Spurs podcast, Ben Jacobs made clear that there is nothing to suggest that Tottenham are looking to make a move for Jota right now.

However, he did note that Postecoglou remains in contact with the winger – something that is seemingly quite common for the Spurs boss.

“A lot of players say this, because obviously a lot more transfers fail than happen. And so many players I speak to say ‘well, I was left hanging. The club promised me the world, they found a better option or they didn’t agree a fee and then I never heard from anyone again’. Brian Brobbey, the Ajax player that’s been linked with Manchester United kind of implied that. 2022, ten Hag’s all over him. 2023, the link comes up again and the player says, ‘well, the manager hasn’t spoken to me for months’. It’s not a criticism on ten Hag, but some managers are just very astute at keeping in contact with players,” he said.

“Jurgen Klopp’s another one. You may have noted when the Henderson exit was happening from Saudi Arabia, Klopp did an interview and said, ‘well, I’m in contact with Jordan Henderson’. And some may think why? He’s not coming back to Liverpool. They’re by no means best friends. Manager, captain relationship, but there’s a generational gap. Klopp’s busy. Why would he be messaging Henderson left, right and centre? And again, it’s that consistent narrative.

“And Postecoglou, even though there’s no indication at the time we’re recording this that Tottenham will move for Jota, is also in contact with Jota. And this shows you the measure of the man, not forgetting players.”

Players will want to move to Tottenham while Australian remains in charge

It will not surprise Tottenham fans to hear that Postecoglou remains in contact with Jota. It is clear that the Spurs players would run through a brick wall for the boss. He has improved almost everyone within his ranks.

And that comes off the back of an amazing spell at Celtic. Of course, Celtic are expected to do good things every year. But the Bhoys were in a rut, by their standards, before he arrived. And he quickly transformed the side again.

The signing of Werner makes it hard to imagine that Tottenham will indeed make a move for Jota before the window shuts.

But clearly, the way Postecoglou treats players is only going to help Spurs when it comes to future recruitment.