Jesse Lingard Reportedly Offered Premier League Return with Everton
Former Manchester United star Jesse Lingard, 31, could be making a return to the Premier League with Everton, according to reports. Lingard has been a free agent since his contract with Nottingham Forest expired in the summer.
Lingard, who has trained with West Ham and Steven Gerrard’s Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq, failed to secure a deal with either team during the first half of the season. However, Everton, currently sitting 17th after a 10-point deduction, is considering offering him a short-term contract until the end of the season.
In the 2022/23 campaign, Lingard contributed two goals and two assists in 20 games for Forest. He did not manage to score a single goal in the Premier League for Steve Cooper’s men, leading to his release at the end of his one-year contract.
Despite his lackluster season, Everton manager Sean Dyche sees potential in Lingard. The attacking midfielder scored 35 goals and provided 21 assists in 232 matches for his boyhood club, Manchester United.
Everton faces competition from Ligue 1 champions Lille, who were linked with a move for Lingard in December. Another option for Lingard is a free transfer to North America ahead of the new MLS season starting in February.
Lingard, who has 32 caps and six goals for England, has not featured for the national team since 2021.