Lingard transfer plan ripped up as West Ham U-turn backfires amid Saudi limbo
Jesse Lingard has been left in transfer limbo with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq now minded not to sign him following a trial at the club.
Lingard has been training with the Saudi outfit but they are unable to complete his signing due to the foreign players' rule in the nation. Two of the club’s non-Saudi players would have to be released by January to accommodate the former England international in their squad – an unlikely scenario, coupled with the player’s financial demands which are above what the club are prepared to offer.
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 the Saudi Pro League side with a view to completing a transfer. That now appears to be unlikely due to their player quota, coupled with the player’s demands.
Al-Ettifaq 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. It is unlikely any of those players would be allowed to move at this juncture.
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Lingard played for the club in a friendly earlier this month and took just four minutes to find the back of the net. Domestic rules state that Saudi Pro League clubs can only have a maximum of eight foreign players in their matchday squad – but they already have 10, before the possibility of incorporating Lingard.
It continues the transfer limbo for Lingard, who has been without a club since leaving Nottingham Forest at the end of last season as a free agent. He had trained with two MLS clubs, alongside the Hammers and Al-Ettifaq, with none taking up the option to make a transfer.
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Lingard is on the lookout for his next club after leaving Nottingham Forest (PA)DC United – who were at the time 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.
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.
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.”
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