Lingard Open to New Opportunities as Career Advances

At 33 years old, Jesse Lingard is not ready to retire just yet. After a successful stint in the Far East, he feels that he still has much to contribute at a competitive level. There have been discussions about his potential move to Major League Soccer (MLS), where he could join stars such as Lionel Messi and Son Heung-min.

The Old Trafford academy graduate has expressed his openness to various offers, stating in an interview with The Guardian that he welcomes interest from diverse regions, including “Europe, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.”

Former Manchester United player Dwight Yorke, who closely monitored Lingard’s career during his time at the club, believes that the talented playmaker could be an asset alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and others in the Middle East. He is also curious about what Lingard could bring to Wrexham, particularly due to his status as a social media influencer with a significant global following. Lingard’s involvement could align well with the ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ documentary series and the club’s aspirations for promotion to the top flight.

Yorke remarked to PokerScout, “Jesse is an interesting character. I’ve always kept an eye on him due to the United connection. Although I am uncertain about his current priorities, it is clear that he still wants to play football, and he would undoubtedly be a valuable addition at the Championship level.”

He further speculated, “Whether Lingard wishes to return to England, enjoys life abroad, or seeks a lucrative contract in a league like Saudi Arabia, a top-seven team there would surely consider him. He has name recognition and performed well in South Korea.

“However, if he chooses to join Wrexham, it would not come as a surprise. Perhaps he wants to return home to be closer to his daughter while helping Wrexham achieve promotion to the Premier League. That could represent one last hurrah for him. I have experienced the benefits of joining a Championship team myself; I did so at Sunderland when they were at the bottom, and we achieved promotion as champions.

“It is possible, and it could be a pathway that brings Jesse back to the level he likely craves. I would encourage him to consider Wrexham, as they are an ambitious team with wealthy backers making notable progress, currently placed mid-table in the Championship. With a good run, promotion is achievable. I encourage him to take a look at the situation, as I am a testament to the fact that it can lead to a remarkable achievement. Before you know it, you could find yourself playing Premier League football again at a time you thought was bleak.”

Wrexham, who made headlines in the summer of 2025 by breaking transfer records with over £30 million ($40 million) invested in new players, is actively looking to recruit again with the January transfer window now open. EFL pundit Don Goodman commented previously on the potential business under manager Phil Parkinson for early 2026: “If they decide to spend money in January, I expect them to focus on quality over quantity. I would anticipate they would bring in a couple of players who could slot directly into the starting XI and enhance the team’s performance.”

Lingard could fit this starting XI criterion, adding creativity to Wrexham’s midfield and providing essential support to strikers like Sam Smith, Kieffer Moore, and Josh Windass. Presently, the Red Dragons are enjoying a four-match winning streak and sit ninth in the Championship table, just one point shy of the playoff positions.