Featured Image Credit: Twitter/@SkySportsPL - PA
Topics: Jesse Lingard, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Transfers, Nottingham Forest
Jack Kenmare
Topics: Jesse Lingard, Saudi Arabia, Saudi Pro League, Transfers, Nottingham Forest
Jesse Lingard is open to joining a club from the Saudi Pro League this summer following his departure from Nottingham Forest.
Earlier this month, it was confirmed that Lingard would be released from the Premier League club, just 12 months after being made the highest earner on a reported £115,000 per week.
The 30-year-old attacking midfielder, who failed to record a goal or assist in 17 appearances in the league last season, is currently on the lookout for a new club.
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Speaking to Sky Sports on Tuesday after becoming a free agent, Lingard opened up about his future.
"I'm considering all options," he said. "I've never ruled any club out. For me, it's just about picking the team that's right for me. I just want to play football at the end of the day."
When prodded about what he is looking for in his next move, Lingard mentioned the project in Saudi Arabia.
Karim Benzema, Ruben Neves, Kalidou Koulibaly and N'Golo Kante have joined Saudi clubs in recent weeks, with a number of other players, including Hakim Ziyech and Roberto Firmino, in advanced talks over a move.
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"I want regular game time. I'm still hungry. I'm working hard out here," Lingard added. "Saudi Arabia... they are doing big things. It's one of the hotspots to go to.
"I'm not really surprised that a lot of big names are moving out there. They've been doing really big things in the last couple years. It's something that I'm going to consider as well. It's just got to be right for me at the end of the day.
"I'll go with my gut feeling. I just want to get on the pitch. I'm still hungry for success."
Here is that interview in full:
Back in March, it was said that Saudi Arabian clubs were willing to match Lingard's wages at Nottingham Forest next season, according to Football Insider.
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Lingard also mentioned his short spell at Forest during the above interview.
"For most of last season I was injured," he said. "It was difficult to get a rhythm and play regular first-team football.
"Injuries can halt that progress but it didn't stop me from being part of the squad. It was an amazing group of lads. Amazing fans. Amazing staff. It was a great experience. To stay up in the Premier League was our main aim and we did that.
"I still wanted to work hard on getting in the team but like I say, sometimes injuries can halt progress. But I'm not going to complain about stuff like that."