Jesse Lingard has been released by Nottingham Forest after just one season with the club.
Lingard’s decision to join Forest last year, despite offers from West Ham, raised eyebrows due to the team’s recent promotion to the Premier League. The midfielder signed a lucrative one-year deal with the club.
Unfortunately, Lingard’s time at Forest did not live up to expectations. In his 17 appearances in the Premier League, he failed to score a single goal or provide any assists.
This lack of impact on the field has led to the club’s decision to release him, making him a free agent once again. Lingard’s last game for Forest was a brief two-minute appearance in a 2-0 defeat against his former club, Manchester United, on April 16.
Throughout the 2023 season, Lingard only managed to play three matches in the top flight. However, he did find some success in the Carabao Cup, scoring two goals in wins over Tottenham and Blackburn in the third and fourth rounds. Despite these brief moments of brilliance, it was not enough to secure a permanent place in the Forest squad.
Aside from Lingard, several other players will also be leaving the City Ground this summer. Andre Ayew, who signed a short-term contract in January, is among the departing players, along with Jack Colback, Cafu, Lyle Taylor, and Jordan Smith. Additionally, loan players Dean Henderson, Keylor Navas, and Renan Lodi will see their loan deals come to an end.
The club expressed its gratitude to each departing player in the official statement for their contributions during their time at the City Ground.
However, there is some positive news for Forest, as right-back Serge Aurier has activated the one-year option in his contract, securing his stay for the upcoming 2023/24 season.
Forest is reportedly interested in pursuing permanent moves for Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson and Brazilian defender Renan Lodi.
