Rennes Sporting director Frederic Massara on Jota’s signing: “I called his agent three times a day.”

Speaking to L’Equipe, Rennes Sporting director Frederic Massara has lifted the lid on the Ligue 1 club’s pursuit of Portuguese winger Jota (25). The 25-year-old made his return to European football by signing a three-year contract with Stade Rennais during the summer transfer window. Jota signed for Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad from Scottish Premiership giants Celtic FC in a €30m deal. Rennes’ outlay to sign Jota reportedly rises to €8m.

“It is a market opportunity“, Massara said to the outlet. “A club changes its mind, the player does not thrive as much as he hoped and the opportunity arises. We too were a bit surprised. We tell ourselves he’s too expansive or that his wages are too high, but that was quite the contrary. It was cheaper because the club needed to free up spots in their squad.“

Following his arrival at Al-Ittihad, Jota was eventually removed from the league-playing squad, with the Jeddah-based club opting to make room for more foreign players. Massara adds that Jota’s Rennes salary is considered to be average for the Ligue 1 club.

“Perhaps he was already quite satisfied with what he had earned. When we had the opportunity to get in touch with him, we had to consider the risks the transfer could not go through. I called his agent three times a day.” Jota is yet to make his debut for Les Rouge et Noir with head coach Julien Stéphan adding it could take weeks before the Portuguese winger returns to full fitness. Rennes will host Montpellier this Sunday.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval