Former Manchester United and England winger eyes potential MLS switch

Jesse Lingard has been a free agent for seven months. The 31-year-old spent last season with Nottingham Forest, helping them navigate their first season back in the Premier League. Lingard played in 17 premier league games, starting 12 of them. 

However, he provided Nottingham with no goals or assists despite playing 923 minutes of football. He did score two goals and provide two assists during his three English Football League cup outings, though. 

Since leaving Forest in the summer, Lingard has trained with West Ham and Al-Ettifaq but has failed to earn himself a contract with either club. Now, after swapping agents, it would appear Lingard is eyeing a move to America to play in the MLS. 

According to Simon Jones of the Daily Mail, Lingard's new agents have "reached out" to the Portland Timbers over a potential move. 

"Jesse Lingard's new agents have been exploring possibilities in the MLS market over the weekend with Portland Timbers among those sounded out," Jordan reported. "The MLS holds an interest with the likes of Portland understood to be one of the clubs monitoring Lingard."

Lingard, a Manchester United youth academy product who joined the team at age nine, spent eight years in the first team and 20 years with the club in total. As a senior member of the squad, Lingard spent some time on loan at West Ham during the 2020-21 season. He played in 232 games for the Red Devils across all competitions. He also provided United with 35 goals and 17 assists during his tenure with the team. He has also represented England on 18 occasions, scoring six goals and providing four assists. 

Given his vast experience at the highest levels of European soccer, Lingard would likely be a big hit in the MLS. He's at an age where he's still near his peak, which would likely allow him to be one of the more talented wingers in the league. Whether an MLS team is willing to meet his salary demands will be the biggest stumbling block. 

Nevertheless, Lingard needs to get back to playing regularly, and the MLS may be his best shot at achieving that goal. His track record speaks for itself. He just needs an opportunity to prove he's still capable of playing at a high level. Portland could find themselves getting a steal of a free agent pickup.