Manchester United attacking midfielder Jesse Lingard has attracted the interest of a range of European clubs who are looking to lure him away from Old Trafford at the end of the season. With Lingard currently on the final season of his contract with the club, he will become eligible to negotiate with clubs outside England starting from January 1st, 2022.
Among those clubs who have expressed an interest in the 28-year-old star are FC Barcelona and AC Milan, both of which are believed to be monitoring the player’s current situation. Should Lingard not renew his contract with Manchester United, other clubs will receive the opportunity to sign the player on a free transfer.
This would be a lucrative opportunity for clubs to sign a strong performing player without the need to splurge cash at a time when finances have become tight for many clubs, particularly as the result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lingard has reportedly already rejected a contract offer from Manchester United, citing concerns over the player’s ability to break into the England national team should he not receive sufficient game time with the Red Devils. Having appeared in England’s 5-0 win over Andorra, Lingard is determined to make Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
