Eibar have been handed a boost ahead of Monday’s visit of Granada in La Liga with the signing of Brentford midfielder Jota on an 18-month loan.
The 24-year-old returns to Ipurua, having scored 11 goals in 35 appearances for Los Armeros in 2013-14, including a historic winner against Alaves on the final day of the season, to help the side achieve promotion to the top flight for the first time ever.
And despite extending his contract with the English Championship club in December, Jota’s wishes for first-team football after four months out with ankle ligament damage and his wife falling pregnant have seen his wish of going back home granted.
“I’m excited to be back here, Eibar have always been my home,” he said at his official unveiling.
“My season with the club in La Segunda was great on both a personal and collective level.
“My first contacts were with other clubs, but Eibar became my first choice once I spoke to them.
“I’m happy to be at Eibar and help the club. Since I left the first time, the club have grown.
“It can be seen in the facilities and infrastructure. They’re no longer a small club in La Segunda. They’re growing with each month.
“The injury is forgotten. I’ve been training normally and medical tests went well.
“I’ve been available to the club since the first day I trained. Now I have to convince the Coach.”
Jota will not be able to make his second Eibar debut on Monday, however, as his international clearance has yet to be processed, while Brentford can recall him in the next two transfer windows.
