Jesse Lingard has joined Al Ettifaq on a training period that would span a duration of one month.
Lingard will remain a free agent despite training with the Saudi Pro League club, but the future of the Englishman is uncertain.
He last played for Nottingham Forest on April 16, 2023, representing the club throughout the 2022/23 season, having joined the English side on a one-year deal on July 21, 2022.
Jesse Lingard made 20 appearances for the Tricky Trees, scoring 2 goals and providing 2 assists.
His contract with Nottingham Forest ended at the end of last season, and he has since been a free agent.
Lingard had been training with West Ham United in September 2023, in a bid to get back to active football.
Reports have previously indicated that David Moyes was admiring the potential of offering the 30-year-old a short-term deal at the London Stadium.
However, he also wanted to receive assurances from the attacker about his commitment to the club.
Jesse Lingard trains with Al Ettifaq
Lingard is now expected to join Al Ettifaq on a one-month training, as he continues to prepare for his return to football.
Al Ettifaq are managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, and Jordan Henderson and Demarai Gray were amongst the players who joined the Damman-based club this summer.
Steven Gerrard’s side sit 4th in the Saudi Pro League with 7 points, two points behind table toppers Al Ittihad.
Speaking in an interview in June 2023, Jesse Lingard talked about the prospect of playing in Saudi Arabia.
The former Manchester United attacker claimed that in the coming years, the country will be “one of the hotspots to go to” for footballers.
Jesse Lingard on Saudi Arabia
Lingard said in June 2023 said: “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.
“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.”
The 31-year-old had an embarrassing stint at Nottingham Forest last season, as he failed to impress manager Steve Cooper despite his fanfare arrival to the club.
Jesse Lingard couldn’t find the back of the net in 17 league appearances last term, and he couldn’t rubber-stamp a starting Premier League shirt at the club.
Lingard’s career has been on a downward spiral since leaving Manchester United on June 30, 2022, following the expiration of his contract with the club.
He made 232 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 35 goals and providing 21 assists across all competitions.
The Englishman chose to join Nottingham Forest over West Ham United in the summer of 2022, after being handed a better pay package reported to be worth about £200,000 every week.
This resulted in a show of resentment from some West Ham United fans, who were angry that Lingard chose money over a return to the Hammers.
During Nottingham Forest’s 1-0 victory over West Ham United on August 14, 2023, some supporters of the Irons threw fake £50 notes at Lingard, as they showed their grievance over his decision.
Meanwhile, Jesse Lingard has made 32 appearances for England, scoring 6 goals and providing 5 assists.
