Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of Jesse Lingard on a free transfer, it was announced on Thursday night.
It was an emotional decision for the ex-Manchester United man, who had to end his 22-year association with the club after his contract expired.
After going on loan on several times, Lingard always had to prove he was Manchester United material. There were occasional moments of brilliance, like in the FA Cup final in 2017 and against Arsenal but overall, there was a growing sense that his future was away from Old Trafford.
The 29-year-old England international, who made his first United appearance in 2014, scored 35 goals in 232 total appearances for the Red Devils.
Forest did not exactly state the length of his contract but several sources have reported that it was a one-year contract.
Lingard joins Nottingham Forest
Lingard has now completed a medical ahead of his pending move and will now join up with Steve Cooper’s squad to Germany on Friday ahead of Forest’s pre-season friendly against Union Berlin on Saturday.
In terms of transfer interest, Lingard had offers from other clubs in the UK and even overseas. However, his preference was to remain in the Premier League.
West Ham were interested in bringing Lingard to the club after he enjoyed a successful loan stint in the second half of the 2020/21 campaign. Everton also explored the idea of a move. In the end, his relationship with Steve Cooper was a major decider, alongside the lure and temptation of being a designated starter.
Forest have beaten off interest, and they will now bolster their ranks as they continue to enjoy a busy summer in the transfer window, following their promotion to the Premier League.
Cooper’s side have so far brought in Neco Williams, Gulian Biancone, Taiwo Awoniyi, Moussa Niakhate, Omar Richards, Harry Toffolo, Lewis O’Brien, Wayne Henessey, Brandon Aguilera. Elsewhere, goalkeeper Dean Henderson also joined on loan from Manchester United.
Forrest aim to survive in the Premier League
For Nottingham Forest, the first aim after securing promotion to the Premier League will be to survive in the competition.
The battle for survival this time around promises to be rather intense and will surely be a spectacle to watch. In fact, it could yet be the most exciting to watch in recent history. On paper, Nottingham Forest will be among the likely names to be included in a relegation battle but coupled with their transfer activity, they will fancy their chances of survival against all odds.
Lingard will hope to be a crucial part of Nottingham Forest’s campaign and he will wear the club’s no.10 jersey.
