Jota Silva’s future at Nottingham Forest remains in doubt with interest from Sporting in Portugal, but the upcoming Premier League opener against Brentford is complicating matters.
Jota was in tears after the Fiorentina game in scenes that suggested he’d played his final game at the City Ground, only to feature in the Al Qadsiah friendly days later.
In the background, Sporting have been pushing to sign Jota as a matter of priority, with the Portuguese side building a new-look attacking group after the departure of Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal.
However, the lack of depth in the Forest squad has seen the winger feature heavily in the buildup to the Premier League season, an issue that hasn’t been resolved with Brentford mere days away.
Jota Silva’s move to Sporting may be impacted by Brentford clash
It’s been reported that Jota turned down a move to Leeds United to fully focus on his return to Portugal, but it’s looking likely that he’ll taste Premier League football at least once more.
According to A Bola, despite all parties seemingly accepting that the deal will go through, Forest are set to keep hold of the Portuguese winger for Sunday.
The report said: “There are still some [players] missing [in the Forest squad] and coach Nuno Espírito Santo does not want to arrive barefoot on the first matchday of the Premier League, in which on Sunday they face Brentford.
“Therefore, the process [Jota’s move] may still have to wait a little longer than was initially expected to be completed.”
Even though Forest hope to have James McAtee signed before Brentford, the bench would still be lacking quality depth if Jota were to depart without a replacement, so holding on to him is the smart move.
Of course, it’s not the ideal situation for the player, but the report continued to highlight Jota’s admirable attitude during the process.
Jota Silva’s attitude deserves credit amid delayed Sporting move
In a summer window that is being dominated by players trying to force through moves, Jota’s attitude throughout the process of his exit has been exemplary.
Featuring in every pre-season game and putting his full effort in at all times speaks to his character, even if the situation has been frustrating.
The report continued: “The player would like to meet the coach he worked with at V. Guimarães again and is impatient until he sees his life resolved, but he is also aware that he will not force his departure from Nottingham Forest.”
It seems very unlikely that this transfer won’t be completed at some point, so if he does grace the City Ground pitch again, Jota deserves a warm send-off.
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