Jesse Lingard is keen to make the most out of the January transfer window to revive his football career. The former Manchester United forward has yet to secure a contract since being released by Nottingham Forest in June last year. However, he remained associated with the sport. Despite having no professional assignments, the English international underwent a few training sessions with his ex-club West Ham United and Saudi Arabian side Al-Ettifaq at the start of this season. As he wants to stay in Europe, Lingard has reportedly offered his services to reigning La Liga champions Barcelona.
According to a report by Sport, Barcelona boss Xavi is already aware of the development, with Lingard seeing the Spanish club as “an excellent springboard” to rejuvenate his fading career. The Spanish outlet further claimed that the footballer-turned-manager has been told that Lingard could be an affordable mid-season signing to bolster his attack. Linger, who is currently available in the transfer market as a free agent, is expected to cost less than €2 million per week till the end of the season.
Barcelona have completed a number of cheap signings in recent years due to their poor financial condition. However, it is unlikely that Xavi will be much interested in taking Lingard on board as he has already plenty of resources in the attack. Instead, the Catalonian outfit might look to strengthen their defence during this January transfer window as conceding goals has been a major problem for them this season.
As far as Jesse Lingard’s future is concerned, the 31-year-old has reportedly received several offers from different parts of the world including North America, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Steven Gerrard-managed Al-Ettifaq was one of the Saudi Pro League clubs who were interested in Lingard. However, the footballer seems to be not in a hurry to leave Europe.
During an interview with Sky Sports last summer, Lingard said that he would be “considering all options” before joining a new club. “I’ve never ruled out any team or club out, so for me it’s just picking the right team and it’s got to be right for me. I just want to play football at the end of the day and that’s all I want to do. Obviously, the project has got to be well suited for me and the team’s got to be moving in the right direction but just regular game-time. I’m still hungry,” the forward explained.
Despite spending the majority of his career with Manchester United, Lingard could never become a regular for the Red Devils. Before signing a permanent deal with Nottingham Forest, Lingard represented three Premier League clubs as a loanee during his spell at Old Trafford.
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