Jesse Lingard boosted his chances of getting a deal in Saudi Arabia after scoring four minutes into Al-Ettifaq’s friendly after agreeing a training deal with Steven Gerrard’s team

Jesse Lingard could secure a contract in Saudi Arabia after impressing in a friendly for Al-Ettifaq on Wednesday night.

The former England international joined Steven Gerrard’s side on a training contract last month as he continues to search for a new club.

And he wasted no time in making an impression, scoring just four minutes into Al-Ettifaq’s friendly against Al-Khaldiya.

The match, played behind closed doors, ended 2-2 and marked the opening of Al-Ettifaq’s new stadium, Ettifaq Stadium.

Lingard played Nottingham Forest last season but failed to make an impact Steve Cooperis the team that only played 17 league games.

Jesse Lingard (left) scored a goal four minutes into Al-Ettifaq’s friendly match against Al-Khaldiya

Al-Ettifaq signed a training contract with Lingard at the end of last month

After Forest decided not to extend his contract in the summer, the 30-year-old was without a club but trained with West Ham in August.

Lingard enjoyed a brilliant six months at the London Stadium in 2021, scoring nine goals and five assists in 16 Premier League appearances.

However, David Moyes’ side ultimately decided not to re-sign him this summer, leading to his move to Saudi Arabia.

Should Lingard, who has not featured in a competitive game since a two-minute cameo against Manchester United in April, be offered to stay at Damman long-term, he would be reunited with his former teammate Jordan Henderson.

The former Liverpool midfielder played alongside Lingard during England’s 2018 World Cup campaign in the Three Lions’ first major tournament under Gareth Southgate.

The former England international only played 17 games for Nottingham Forest last season

Should Lingard be offered to stay at Damman long-term, he would be reunited with his former England teammate Jordan Henderson

Steven Gerrard’s side are in seventh place in the Saudi Pro League after nine games

While Henderson remains a fixture in Southgate’s side, Lingard became increasingly sidelined after the contest as his form at United declined.

Henderson joined Al-Ettifaq in an eye-catching move in August in a deal that is expected to pay the player £700,000 a week.

The former Premier League squad at Al-Ettifaq also includes Demarai Gray, Moussa Dembele and Georginio Wijnaldum.

Al-Ettifaq are in seventh place in the Saudi Pro League with 17 points after nine games, six points behind leaders Al-Hilal.