Jesse Lingard boosts his chances of landing a deal in Saudi Arabia after scoring four minutes into Al-Ettifaq’s friendly after joining Steven Gerrard’s side on a training contract
- Jesse Lingard scored four minutes into Al-Ettifaq’s friendly with Al-Khaldiya
- The former England international joined Steven Gerrard’s side on a training deal
- Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’
Jesse Lingard could earn himself a contract in Saudi Arabia after impressing in a friendly for Al-Ettifaq on Wednesday night.
The former England international joined Steven Gerrard’s side on a training contract last month as he continues to look for a new club.
And he wasted no time in making an impact, scoring just four minutes into Al-Ettifaq’s friendly against Al-Khaldiya.
Played behind closed doors the game ended 2-2 and marked the opening of Al-Ettifaq’s new ground, the Ettifaq Stadium.
Lingard played for Nottingham Forest last season but failed to make an impact in Steve Cooper‘s side, making just 17 league appearances.
Jesse Lingard (left) scored four minutes into Al-Ettifaq’s friendly against Al-Khaldiya
Al-Ettifaq signed Lingard to a training contract at the end of last month
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After Forest opted not to extend his deal over the summer, the 30-year-old has been without a club, but trained with West Ham in August.
Lingard enjoyed a blistering six-month spell at the London Stadium in 2021, scoring nine goals and registering five assists in 16 appearances in the Premier League.
David Moyes’ side, however, ultimately chose not to re-sign him this summer, prompting his move to Saudi.
Should Lingard, who who has not featured in a competitive match since a two-minute cameo against Manchester United in April, be offered to stay long-term in Damman he would be reunited with former team-mate Jordan Henderson.
The former Liverpool midfielder played alongside Lingard during England’s 2018 World Cup campaign in the Three Lions’ first major tournament under Gareth Southgate.
The former England international played just 17 games for Nottingham Forest last season
Should Lingard be offered to stay long-term in Damman he would be reunited with former England team-mate Jordan Henderson
Steven Gerrard’s side are seventh in the Saudi Pro League after nine games
Whilst Henderson remains a fixture in Southgate’s set-up, Lingard found himself increasingly sidelined after the competition as his form at United dipped.
Henderson joined Al-Ettifaq in an eyebrow-raising move in August for a deal that is thought to garner the player £700,000 per week in wages.
The former Premier League contingent at Al-Ettifaq also includes Demarai Gray, Moussa Dembele and Georginio Wijnaldum.
Al-Ettifaq are seventh in the Saudi Pro League with 17 points after nine games, six adrift of league leaders Al-Hilal.
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