Jesse Lingard becomes free agent as Nottingham Forest confirm exit after season to forget

Jesse Lingard has been released by Nottingham Forest after just one season at the City Ground.

The 30-year-old joined the Reds on a free transfer last summer, but failed to impress as he quickly fell down the pecking order under Steve Cooper.

Lingard failed to chip with a single goal or assist in his 17 Premier League outings - and now becomes a free agent once again.

His last appearance for the club came in the 2-0 defeat against former employers Manchester United on April 16, where he played just two minutes.

In total, Lingard played just three top-flights matches in 2023.

He scored his only two goals for the club in the Carabao Cup in the third and fourth round wins over Tottenham and Blackburn.

And Forest have now decided against handing him a new contract.

The club also announced they have released Andre Ayew, Cafu, Jack Colback, Jordan Smith and Lyle Taylor.

A statement read: "The club would like to thank each player for their contributions during their time at The City Ground."

Though Serge Aurier has penned a new contact after he triggered an automatic one-year deal.

Forest have also revealed that Keylor Navas, Dean Henderson and Renan Lodi have went back to their respective clubs after their loan spells come to an end.

However it has been claimed that Forest will look to sign Henderson from Manchester United on a permanent deal.

And Cooper's side have also declared they will be turning Chris Wood's temporary stay from Newcastle into a permanent switch.

It remains to be seen where Lingard will end up next, though he did hint to a future move to an MLS club in January.

And he also revealed how he plans to become an actor once he calls time on his football career.