Jesse Lingard Training with Al-Ettifaq with View to Permanent Move
Jesse Lingard, the midfielder who is currently without a club after leaving Nottingham Forest at the end of last season, is now training with Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia with the possibility of a permanent move. Lingard has asked for a month’s trial with the club, and Al-Ettifaq boss Steven Gerrard is keen to sign him if everything goes well.
Interest in Saudi Arabia
Lingard has been interested in a move to Saudi Arabia all summer, and it seems that he has found an opportunity with Al-Ettifaq. The 30-year-old player is looking for a salary of around £7 million-per-year (€8m), but there may be some negotiation needed as Al-Ettifaq’s budget is closer to £4.35 million (€5m).
Previous Stint at West Ham
During the past few months, Lingard had been training with West Ham, and there were suggestions that he could make a move to the London club. Lingard had a successful loan spell with West Ham in the 2020/21 season, scoring nine goals in 16 appearances. However, according to West Ham manager David Moyes, there is no disappointment that Lingard is now training with Al-Ettifaq.
Moyes said, “We like Jesse a lot but I just don’t know if we need another player in his position.” This suggests that West Ham may not be actively pursuing a permanent deal for Lingard.
Potential Move to Saudi Arabia
If Lingard’s trial with Al-Ettifaq goes well, he could become the next big name to make a move to Saudi Arabia. Lingard’s experience and skill as an attacking midfielder would be a valuable addition to the Saudi Arabian club. It remains to be seen whether the negotiations over salary will be successful and if Lingard will ultimately sign with Al-Ettifaq.
Conclusion
Jesse Lingard’s training with Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia indicates his interest in a potential permanent move to the club. Lingard, who had been training with West Ham, is now exploring other options and could become the next big name to make a move to Saudi Arabia. With Al-Ettifaq boss Steven Gerrard keen on signing Lingard, it will be interesting to see how the negotiations progress and whether Lingard will ultimately join the club. Lingard’s experience and skill would undoubtedly be an asset to Al-Ettifaq, and it remains to be seen if a deal can be reached.