Cristiano Ronaldo’s ex-teammate at Manchester United, Jesse Lingard has begun training at Inter Miami as he prepares for a possible move to DC United.
Jesse Lingard was recently removed from his previous club Nottingham Forrest by having his contract terminated early. This is after a poor season where he had no goal contributions.
The Englishman is now contemplating his next options and is on vacation in America right now. While there, the 30-year-old has taken some time to train at Inter Miami’s training ground. The club is co-owned by former United and English legend David Beckham and has seen Ronaldo’s rival Lionel Messi join there this summer.
The forward posted some of his training sessions in his Instagram story.
Wayne Rooney’s DC United to sign Jessie Lingard?
Lingard was strongly rumored to move to MLS club DC United in recent days. The club is coached by former United legend Wayne Rooney. The rumors started when MLS betting analyst George Dempsey said that Lingard wanted to finish his career in the MLS.
When asked about the Jesse Lingard rumor, Rooney flat-out denies it.
He said, “The Jesse Lingard rumor? I don’t know where that has come from. From my point of view, we have no interest in signing him.” Well, that rules out a move to DC United with a harsh reply from Rooney.
Even if the club wanted to sign him, they would have had to make some exits. Specifically, the club has already used its three designated players’ spots. Designated players can be given huge contracts which will not be part of the salary cap. So, even if they wanted to bring Lingard, they would have to either let go of one of their designated players or ask Lingard to join on a lower salary.
Jessie Lingard’s take on rumored move to Saudi Arabia
As with DC United, Lingard has also been rumored to move to Saudi Arabia. No specific club has still approached him, but considering the current trend of the Saudis moving for every European player, it can be soon expected.
Lingard himself spoke on a potential move. He said in an interview with Sky Sports that he is open to all options.
“I’m considering all options. I’ve never ruled out any team or club out, so for me it’s just picking the right team and it’s got to be right for me. I just want to play football at the end of the day and that’s all I want to do.”
Free agent Jesse Lingard hasn't ruled out a move to Saudi Arabia this summer 👀 pic.twitter.com/qiggGNGBZY
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 27, 2023
He did stress the importance of the sporting project and wants regular playing time as well. “Obviously, the project has got to be well suited for me, the team’s got to be moving in the right direction but just regular game-time – I’m still hungry.”
Regarding the Saudi transfers, he said, “Saudi Arabia are doing big things, and in the next couple of years or so, it will be one of the hotspots to go to. I’m not really surprised that the big names are moving out there.”
Lingard will hope to have some offers soon as he will want to start preparing for his next club as soon as possible.
