Jesse Lingard joins Saudi Pro League Al Ettifaq training

• Jesse Lingard has been without a club since leaving Nottingham Forest in the summer
• West Ham United were tipped to offer him a contract but decided not to
• The 30-year-old forward is now training with Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq

England international Jesse Lingard is on the brink of securing a move to the Saudi Pro League, where he’s training with Al Ettifaq under manager Steven Gerrard. Lingard, who has been without a club since departing Nottingham Forest at the end of the previous season, spent several weeks training with MLS outfit D.C. United and his former club, West Ham United. However, neither team extended him a contract offer.

West Ham’s manager, David Moyes, expressed his admiration for Lingard but explained that he was uncertain if the team needed another player in the position that Lingard typically occupies. Consequently, Lingard is currently in Saudi Arabia, where he’s training with Al Ettifaq in hopes of earning a permanent contract. The deal is in progress and will be offered if he can demonstrate his fitness.

Jesse Lingard is pictured in training with Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq. The forward could soon sign a contract with the team managed by Steven Gerard. | PHOTO: Daily Mail |

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Steven Gerrard, speaking to Al Arabiya about a potential deal, stated, “We know Jesse Lingard extremely well from England. I’ve watched him for many years, so I’m aware of the talent. Jesse is currently without a club; he’s not under contract, so he’s free to train with any team. He’s coming to use our facilities, train alongside our players, and maintain his fitness. This also provides us with an opportunity to evaluate his current form. We’ll do that in the coming weeks.”

Gerrard emphasized that Lingard has the opportunity to convince the club to sign him, and the situation is being closely analyzed. Al Ettifaq has a growing British contingent, including Jordan Henderson and Jack Hendry, in addition to Gerrard. The club also boasts former Premier League stars such as Georginio Wijnaldum, Moussa Dembele, and Demarai Gray.

Lingard had previously indicated that he was considering a move to Saudi Arabia during the summer. He noted that Saudi Arabia is undergoing significant developments in football and could become a prominent destination in the near future. Lingard stated, “Saudi Arabia is making significant strides, and it will become one of the top destinations to go to in the next year or so. I’m not really surprised that many big names are moving there. Obviously, it’s something I’m going to consider as well. I haven’t ruled it out – it just needs to be the right fit for me.”