14 October 2023 , 19:01
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Jesse Lingard will join Al-Ettifaq but must wait until January to seal his transfer due to the foreign players' rule in Saudi Arabia.
Last month, West Ham boss David Moyes explained that the former Manchester United midfielder was training with the club and struck an upbeat tone that suggested the 30-year-old would be offered a short-term contract by the club.
However, Lingard ended his spell using the East London club’s facilities to begin training at Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq. They are managed by Steven Gerrard and have overseen significant spending this year including the arrivals of Jordan Henderson, Moussa Dembele, Georginio Wijnaldum and Demarai Gray, among others.
Lingard played for the club in a friendly this week and took just four minutes to find the back of the net. His move to Al-Ettifaq has not yet been completed but it is believed the move is a formality, however, domestic rules state that Saudi Pro League clubs can only have a maximum of eight foreign players in their matchday squad. Al-Ettifaq already have 10 foreign players on their books and must offload some before registering new non-Saudi players.
Prior to joining the Hammers as a trialist, Lingard spent time training with two MLS clubs. However, DC United – managed by Wayne Rooney – did not take up the option to sign the former England international while Inter Miami also passed up on the opportunity to sign him.
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Lingard was released by Nottingham Forest at the end of June following one season at the City Ground. The former England international starred for the Hammers during a loan spell in the second half of the 2020-21 campaign, when he scored nine goals in 16 appearances.
That purple patch almost helped propel the East London side into a Champions League qualification spot that campaign, while it was anticipated he would join on a permanent deal from Manchester United – where his contract was due to expire the following year.
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Lingard is on the lookout for his next club after leaving Nottingham Forest (PA)It had appeared that he was set for a return to the Hammers but Lingard has ended his ties and instead linked up with Al-Ettifaq. Whether he will be offered a contract in the Middle East remains to be seen – but any move to West Ham is now off the table.
Late last month, Moyes explained when asked about Lingard’s situation: “No not at all (disappointed he has left for Saudi). I’m quite comfortable and more than relaxed with it.
“I think I’ve been indicating to you (the media) boys that we’re having to see what he’s going to do and how’s he going to be. We like Jesse a lot but I just don’t know if we need another player in the position he would probably play for us.”
Earlier this summer, Lingard spoke of the need for a "project" which suits him and understands why other Premier League stars have already opted for the Saudi Pro League – leading to suggestions that he was open to a move to the Middle East.