Newcastle United target Jesse Lingard could be on his way to Saudi Arabia.
The midfielder is a free agent after his Manchester United contract expired, and is yet to find a new club.
Lingard has spent large parts of 2022 being linked with a move to St James’ Park, but was denied that chance in January by the Red Devils.
The speculation continued, but the 29-year-old’s wage demands seem to be what is stopping him from becoming a Magpie. It was reported by the Chronicle that he initially wanted £200,000-a-week to join Eddie Howe’s side.
The Northern Echo claimed earlier this month that he is still a target for Newcastle, but wouldn’t be joining the club unless he lowered his wage demands.
He has Premier League interest from Everton and West Ham, where he was ‘amazing‘ on loan, but also has the opportunity to take his talents further afield.
Club in Saudi Arabia willing to meet Jesse Lingard’s wage demands
There was speculation that Lingard could move to America, but that won’t be happening. However, a move to the Middle East is a possibility.
According to the Athletic, the England international has received an offer from a club in Saudi Arabia. They are willing to pay him £10million-a-year, which equates to around £200,000-a-week.
That is an astonishing amount of money, and it is know surprise to hear it is being considered by Lingard. However, the Athletic do add that his preference is stay in the Premier League. But there’s no way a team on English shores will pay him that much.
We should soon find out where Lingard is going. The report states that a decision will be made next week, with Lingard weighing up three proposals.
Whether or not Newcastle are one of those teams in the mix remains to be seen, but right now it feels incredibly unlikely that we’ll see him in a Toon shirt.
However, it would be incredibly ironic to see him move to Saudi Arabia having came so close to joining the Saudi-owned Magpies.
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