24 September 2023 , 11:27
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Jesse Lingard is on the brink of joining the Saudi Pro League with West Ham turning down the chance of a potential reunion.
The 30-year-old spent much of the summer in limbo after his one-year deal expired at Nottingham Forest. The former England international was initially hailed as a statement signing when he arrived at the City Ground from Manchester United, turning down the chance to join West Ham.
That decision raised eyebrows given he'd previously flourished in a loan spell for the Hammers, with many citing the superior financial package offered by Forest. But regardless, the move turned sour, with Lingard failing to find his best form and struggling for first-team action.
The free agent then failed to find a new club in pre-season, before being thrown a lifeline by David Moyes and co. He began training back in London in August, and even featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Championship side Ipswich Town this month.
But this week it was announced that Lingard was to fly to Saudi Arabia to train with Saudi Pro League club Al Ettifaq, managed by Steven Gerrard. He'll spend a month in the Middle East with a view to securing a permanent deal.
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And according to , that development has prompted West Ham to end their interest. It leaves Lingard with little margin for error in Saudi, as failing to impress sufficiently would leave him with precious few options.
Moyes had previously appeared upbeat about Lingard's temporary return, telling talkSPORT: “Jesse has been training with us for three weeks and he has improved greatly since he first came in – he is in really good condition, much better than when he first came in.
Lingard was initially in line for a return to West Ham but the club have now shut the door (Getty Images)HAVE YOUR SAY! Should West Ham have signed Jesse Lingard? Comment below.
“I have to say, when Jesse joined us a couple of years ago I think he scored nine goals in 15 games. He had that great run of form and was probably the difference for us getting into Europe for the first time. So I want to give him every opportunity to get back into condition and see how he does."
Should a move materialise, he would become Gerrard's fourth signing of an ex-Premier League player since taking over. He's already recruited former Liverpool teammate Jordan Henderson and another ex-Red in Gini Wijnaldum, as well as Demarai Gray from Everton.
Al Ettifaq themselves have claimed the agreement came at Lingard's request, stating: "The management of Al-Ettifaq Club approved the Football Committee's recommendation to accept the request of the English player Jesse Lingard to join the training of the first football team at Al-Ittifaq Club for a period of one month."