Former Nottingham Forest midfielder Jesse lingard is looking for a new club and a new agent after receiving a pointed message from Man Utd legend Paul Scholes on social media
Former Nottingham Forest star Jesse Lingard has sacked his agent having failed to find a new club since leaving the City Ground last July.
Lingard, 31, was in the England squad as recently as 2021 but is currently struggling to find the right opportunity. He was recently criticised by Manchester United legend Paul Scholes, who asked him: “Are you just gonna f*** about in the gym or are you gonna actually play football?”
Scholes slammed Lingard after he posted a range of exercises in a Dubai gym. However, Scholes shared his thoughts on Lingard’s current situation in a barbed comment on Instagram, which has since been deleted.
The interaction received plenty of attention on social media but it is unknown whether Lingard saw Scholes’ reply before it was taken down. The former Manchester United star has been linked with a move to Everton, although an overseas switch to either Major League Soccer or the Saudi Pro League seems more likely. Lingard’s last professional appearance was a two-minute cameo for Forest against the Red Devils in April 2023.
According to Sky Sports News, Lingard has severed ties with his representatives in the hope of finding a new club. A source close to the player has revealed his determination to play professionally again and his disappointment at not securing a contract sooner.
Lingard was on the fringes of United’s first team squad during the final few years of Scholes’ playing days. The pair caused controversy in 2022 when Scholes revealed that Lingard had described Man United’s dressing room as a “disaster” during Ralf Rangnick’s time in charge at Old Trafford.
Lingard has been a free agent since his contract at Forest came to an end in the summer, having made 20 appearances for the promoted club. The England international has spent time training with MLS side Inter Miami and Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq in between a trial with former club West Ham United, who decided against signing the 31-year-old.
Meanwhile, Spanish outlet Sport recently claimed Lingard had offered his service to Barcelona, who are reportedly considering bargain deals for midfielders as they seek to comply with financial rules. The Daily Mail has also reported that Lingard was previously put forward as an option for Ligue 1 clubs and suggests he remains on Everton’s radar.B
