Jesse Lingard has been training with the Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq and could possibly sign for the Middle Eastern outfit as a free agent. Lingard has been a free agent since his departure from Nottingham Forest in July, and prior to his move to Saudi Arabia, he had been training with West Ham.
Once deemed Manchester United’s future, the English star last played for Nottingham Forest in the previous season but failed to make any significant impact, leading to his release when his contract ended. Now, it seems that the 30-year-old is on the brink of joining the Saudi Pro League side managed by Steven Gerrard.
Jesse Lingard’s training with Al-Ettifaq signals bid for Saudi Pro League spot
The Manchester United academy graduate departed from the Red Devils in 2022 and transferred to the newly promoted Premier League side Nottingham Forest on a one-season contract. Unfortunately, the winger’s time at Forest was not particularly impressive, as he only contributed to four goals in 20 appearances during his tenure.
At Old Trafford, the winger was a beloved figure among the fans. Before he departed from Manchester United, he spent half a season on loan at West Ham in 2021. The England international has been training with West Ham since the beginning of August. Nevertheless, the club has not put forward any formal offers for his services.
Incidentally, Lingard is currently in Saudi Arabia, training with Al-Ettifaq, and it seems that joining the Steven Gerrard-managed side could be his next destination. The Saudi Pro League awaits his potential arrival.
Al-Ettifaq club shared a video featuring Lingard stepping onto the pitch during an evening training session led by head coach and former Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, alongside club captain Jordon Henderson.
Jordan Henderson reunites with Steven Gerrard at Al Ettifaq
The former Liverpool captain Henderson has joined forces with his former teammate and legend, Steven Gerrard, at Ettifaq. The 33-year-old has reunited with Steven Gerrard, who is now managing the club.
The Dammam-based club has appointed Gerrard as their head coach this summer, and he has personally convinced several other star players from Europe to make the move to the Saudi Pro League.
In addition, alongside Henderson, Liverpool also saw another key player, Fabinho, move to Al-Ittihad. Interestingly, it’s the same club that had offered Mohamed Salah a lucrative deal, that Liverpool denied.
Al-Ettifaq has managed to attract some notable names from the Premier League, including Demarai Gray and former Liverpool player Georginio Wijnaldum, along with French striker Moussa Dembélé.
Do you think Al-Ettifaq will complete the signing of Jesse Lingard? Tell us what you think in the comments section.
