Midfielder departs Griffin Park for 18-month stay in Spain.

Jota has joined Spanish La Liga side Sociedad Deportivo Eibar on loan until the summer of 2017 after agreeing an option to extend his Brentford contract. The 24-year-old is under contract at Griffin Park until the end of the 2016/17 season but Brentford now have an option to extend that for a further season. The new agreement was reached before Jota made the switch to Eibar, where he will be on loan for 18 months – subject to international clearance – while he works through some personal issues that require him to be in Spain rather than West London.

Jota – José Peleteiro Ramallo – joined Brentford in August 2014 from Real Club Celta de Vigo for an undisclosed fee. In his first season in English football he scored a series of spectacular goals, notching 11 times in 46 games in all competitions but sustained an ankle injury on the opening day of the 2015/16 season that ruled him out for around four months. He made five appearances for The Bees this term but has been unavailable in recent weeks due to a combination of a calf injury and an ongoing personal problem.

Under the terms of Jota’s loan, which was completed today – Saturday 16 January after he passed a medical, Brentford have the option to recall the 24-year-old during the next two Transfer Windows – this summer and in January 2017. It will be his second spell with Eibar. He spent the 2013/14 season there and scored 11 goals in 35 games as he helped them to reach La Liga for the first time in their history.

Phil Giles, Brentford FC Co-Director of Football, said: "We have been speaking with Jota over recent weeks to understand how he feels about his personal situation. It is important to us to be able to support our players as much as we can. In return I'm pleased that Jota has agreed to a new contract with us that means we can keep all options open in the future. We wish him well during his time at Eibar."

Dean Smith, Brentford FC Head Coach, said: Unfortunately, I have only had the pleasure of working with Jota for a short time and in that time I have seen glimpses of the undoubted talent that he possesses. I have found Jota to be really conscientious and I am understanding of the human nature of the personal issues he has been facing. I am disappointed that I will not get the opportunity to work further with his talent but the bigger picture for Jota is more important. I hope Brentford FC and Jota can continue the fantastic relationship in the future.”

Jota has released a personal message for Brentford fans [jpg file, will open in new window].