Despite “ground-breaking” offers from MLS, England international winger Jesse Lingard is staying in Premier League. Lingard, who was a free agent this summer, decided to sign with newcomers Nottingham Forest.
Lingard reportedly underwent his medical on Thursday before putting a signature on a one-year deal. The 29-year-old player is set to earn an £80,000 salary on a weekly basis with the opportunity to earn an additional £40,000 a week through bonuses.
Jesse Lingard had a number of suitors this summer, with a number of Premier League clubs attempting to lure him. Lingard went through the process with an open mind, which meant he considered opportunities elsewhere. This included MLS, where several teams were ready to make him the league’s highest-paid player in history, and Saudi Arabia, where a couple of lucrative offers were waiting as well.
In the end, it was Lingard’s wish to position himself for a chance to be part of England’s squad for the 2022 World Cup that set the course for his next destination. Playing against tough competition in Premier League will give him exposure, while he is immediately the best player in Nottingham and should have enough opportunities to show off his skills.
Lingard spent the majority of his career with Manchester United, where he scored 35 goals and added 21 assists in 231 appearances. He also spent time on loans with Derby and West Ham, among other clubs.
