Former Manchester United and England midfielder Jesse Lingard is reportedly set to head to America for ‘groundbreaking’ transfer talks with Major League Soccer clubs.
Lingard, 29, is currently a free agent after his 22-year association with the Red Devils came to an end officially last week. He was one of numerous players to leave the club for nothing alongside the likes of Paul Pogba, Juan Mata and Edinson Cavani with United set for a major summer overhaul following Ten Hag’s arrival.
With Lingard a free agent, West Ham United, Everton and Newcastle United have all been linked with the 32-cap England international. But reports suggest that Lingard could be about to make his first move to a club outside of his home country.
It is claimed the Warrington-born playmaker is due to head to America to hold talks with MLS sides over a potential move, which would come as a blow to the Premier League clubs who had been keen on signing Lingard for free this summer.
ESPN have claimed that Lingard is set to hold talks with two sides in America, although he is currently keeping his options open and has not ruled out the possibility of playing at the 2022 World Cup later this year. The same report has also claimed that both AC Milan and Barcelona were considering making offers for Lingard earlier this summer.
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Lingard made 232 senior appearances for United during his time at Old Trafford, scoring 35 goals and winning the FA Cup, Europa League and Carabao Cup titles.
His most impressive recent spell came while on loan at West Ham during the second half of the 2020/21 campaign. Lingard scored nine times in 16 Premier League appearances with the Hammers, helping them to qualify for the Europa League.
In his final campaign at United, Lingard made 22 appearances in all competitions and scored twice, but started only two of his 16 outings in England’s top-flight last term.
Should Lingard move to America, it would continue on a pattern of big name Premier League players to depart England for a move to America. The likes of David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Jermain Defoe all had MLS stints in the latter parts of their careers.
Lingard’s former United teammate Zlatan Ibrahimovic also played 58 times for Los Angeles Galaxy between 2018 and 2019 after leaving United, scoring 53 goals in that period and being named in the MLS Best XI for both of his seasons there.
Lingard played eight times for England in 2021 and scored two goals for his country last year, but has not played for the Three Lions since
