Manchester United are said to be keen on selling English international Jesse Lingard in the summer as he has reportedly “lost the confidence” of Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
According to Goal, United are not close to agreeing on a new deal with Jesse Lingard, whose contract with the club expires in 2021. With Mino Raiola as his new agent – who has had his run-ins with Manchester United, it’s unlikely that Jesse Lingard will stay on at the club.
The 27-year-old feels that he is one of the best No. 10s in Europe, which is an assessment that Solskjaer does not seem to concur with. With the Englishman set to leave the club, where could he play at the start of the 2020-21 season?
Let’s take a look at 3 clubs who should make a move for Jesse Lingard
Leicester City
Jesse Lingard previously played for Leicester City when he went on loan to the Foxes way back in the 2012-13 season. Leicester were in the Championship back then, but with Brendan Rodgers’ side set to play Champions League football next season, they will need some experience and strengthening all over the pitch.
While his form may have dipped significantly over the last year or so, Lingard is still a decent player that could do well for a side like Leicester. The Foxes do not have the financial muscle of Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, or Chelsea, and will need to make smart purchases along with the odd big-money signing. Leicester do not have too many No. 10s in their squad, with James Maddison the only true No. 10 in their team.
Inter Milan
Inter Milan are one of the surprise clubs linked with a move for Lingard. But, Antonio Conte has reportedly been a fan of the player from his time with Chelsea as manager. There are reports dating back to 2017 which claim that he was going to make a bid for Jesse Lingard at the time.
Conte seems to love players from the Premier League having already signed Romelu Lukaku, Ashley Young, and Alexis Sanchez from Manchester United, Christian Eriksen from Tottenham, as well as Victor Moses from Chelsea. Jesse Lingard could fit into Conte’s team in the midfield as one of the attacking midfielders or on the left side, and the Englishman’s versatility will be one of the reasons for Conte’s interest.
Atletico Madrid
Raiola as Lingard’s agent means that he will be looking to move his player to one of the big clubs in Europe, and Atletico Madrid could be one of the clubs vying for Lingard’s signature.
Jesse’s work-rate and running off the ball will impress Atleti manager Diego Simeone, who needs to overhaul his squad significantly over the summer. Simeone’s 4-4-2 formation means that Lingard will only fit in the wide areas for the Spanish club and that might be a deterrent in the Englishman’s quest to find his best position and realise his potential.
