Transfer Talk: Hollywood role beckons for free man Lingard

Jesse Lingard is back on the market after being released by Nottingham Forest.

Despite becoming a popular figure among his team-mates, Lingard failed to register a single Premier League goal or assist during a frustrating campaign in the East Midlands.

But having only turned 30 last December, the ex-Manchester United midfielder will feel he still has plenty left to offer at the highest level.

We consider where he could pop up next.

Hammer time

The last time Lingard was truly firing on all cylinders was during a majestic loan spell at West Ham.

Having fallen out of favour at Old Trafford, Lingard spent the second half of the 2020-21 campaign reunited with his old boss David Moyes — and it was a match made in heaven.

Deployed in his preferred attacking midfield role, the England international netted nine goals and laid on four assists in a devastating 16-game stint.

The Hammers were unsurprisingly in the mix to land him permanently 12 months ago but were unwilling to match the astronomical wages offered by Forest.

Now Lingard's stock has dipped somewhat, a return to East London could be on the cards.

Turkish trip

If the Warrington-born star fancies a change of scene, he is thought to have suitors in Turkey.

Fenerbache and Besiktas — who are set to finish second and third behind champions Galatasaray this season — were both strongly linked with Lingard in January.

Though a move did not materialise, interest likely remains and the Super Lig has welcomed many an ex-Premier League star in recent campaigns.

Dele Alli has just completed a loan spell at Beskitas, while the likes of Lucas Torreira, Michy Batshuayi, Nathan Redmond and Enner Valencia are also plying their trade in the division.

Meanwhile, the lucrative wages frequently on offer from the nation's biggest clubs are sure to appeal.

Life after football

Perhaps Lingard has already dropped a big hint about his next move.

The 30-year-old was a guest on the Diary of a CEO podcast earlier this year, where he chatted to host Steven Bartlett about his plans for life after football.

He explained: "After football, I want to get into acting. I always want to know what the next thing to do is — what's the next investment, what can I be involved in, what can I do?

"I've got an Esports team, I love gaming. I've got my own brand, I love fashion. I've got a media company called One Touch Entertainment. 

"I just want to be happy and do things I want to do to make me happy.

"The media company is based in LA and that's where eventually I want to finish football."

American dream

Though Lingard is still capable of performing at the highest level, it may be an MLS switch that makes the most sense of all. 

His dream destination, Los Angeles, now boasts two MLS clubs in LA Galaxy and LAFC, with the latter perhaps a better fit for the charismatic star.

Counting Hollywood comedian Will Ferrell and NBA legend Earvin 'Magic' Johnson among their co-owners, glitz and glamour is engrained within the club's DNA.

Last summer, Gareth Bale joined in a short-term deal that generated huge international interest.

Lingard is someone who seems to perform best when in the limelight — suggesting LAFC could be an ideal destination.

If he is not yet ready for that career swansong, though, then his next move will be an interesting one indeed.