Jesse Lingard's next move threatened by Brexit as ex-Man Utd star's wait goes on

26 December 2023 , 11:53

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Jesse Lingard's next move threatened by Brexit as ex-Man Utd star's wait goes on

Former Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard has been 'offered' to several Ligue 1 clubs - but a potential move could be scuppered by Brexit rules.

Lingard has been a free agent since leaving Nottingham Forest at the end of last season. The England international, who joined the Reds following his departure from United in July 2022, made 20 appearances and scored two goals during his time at The City Ground.

The 31-year-old joined Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq for a one-month training stint in September. However, the Saudi Pro League outfit were unable to offer him a contract. Al-Ettifaq had reached the maximum amount of non-Saudi players in their squad, with Jordan Henderson, Demarai Gray and Georginio Wijnaldum among those joining the Dammam-based club in the summer.

A switch to Ligue 1 has since been touted for Lingard, with Lille one of three clubs he has been offered to, according to Foot Mercato. However, as an English national, Lingard is considered as a 'extracommunautaire' after Brexit, which could wreck his chances of moving to France. Every Ligue 1 team can register up to four players from non-EU states or countries without cooperation agreement with the EU.

Meanwhile, the report also adds that a move to the MLS is Lingard's most plausible option. The midfielder had been linked with a switch to DC United during the 2023 season, while he also trained with Inter Miami.

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Jesse Lingard has been a free agent since leaving Nottingham Forest in June (Getty Images)

Former club West Ham were among those interested in Lingard, but a move never materialised. In fact, Lingard trained with the Hammers at the start of the campaign. Speaking at the time, David Moyes said: "I have to say, when Jesse joined us two years ago I think he scored nine goals in 15 games and was probably the difference between us getting into Europe for the first time.

"I want to give him every opportunity to get himself back in condition and see how he does. So there’s no real update on it at the moment, just to say that he’s back and getting much closer to the levels of fitness where you’d hope he would be."

Lingard's future is simply uncertain. He has not played a competitive game since coming on as a late substitute for Forest against former club United in April. Lingard could find himself without a club heading in 2024, but with the MLS campaign set to get underway in February, that could be a possible escape route for the player.

Kieran King