The Saudi Adventure Lasted a Year: Jota Is About to Return to Europe

The Portuguese winger has not been successful in his spell at Al Hilal and could now be back in Europe soon.

Portuguese international Jota is reportedly set to leave Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal after just one year, with a return to Europe on the cards.

The 29-year-old winger joined Al Hilal from Benfica in the summer of 2022 for a fee of around €7 million. However, he has failed to live up to expectations in Saudi Arabia, scoring just three goals in 18 appearances in all competitions.

Reasons for his departure

There are a number of reasons why Jota's spell at Al Hilal has not been successful. Firstly, he has struggled to adapt to the different style of play in Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Pro League is a much more physical and direct league than the Portuguese Primeira Liga, and Jota has found it difficult to adjust.

Secondly, Jota has been injured for much of his time at Al Hilal. He missed the first three months of the season with a knee injury, and he has also been out with a hamstring injury in recent weeks.

Finally, Jota has not been able to settle into life in Saudi Arabia. He is not a fan of the country's culture, and he has found it difficult to communicate with his teammates and coaches.

Potential destinations

If Jota does leave Al Hilal, he is likely to return to Europe. He has been linked with a move to a number of clubs, including Benfica, Sporting Lisbon, and Porto. However, it is also possible that he could move to a different league, such as the Premier League or the Bundesliga.

Jota is a talented winger with a lot of experience at the highest level. He is still only 29 years old, and he has the potential to be a valuable asset to any team. It will be interesting to see where he ends up next.