BangerboyLeicester City has stunned the football world by inviting former Manchester United and England star Jesse Lingard to training just twenty-four hours before their critical Championship clash against Middlesbrough. The 33-year-old attacking midfielder, who is currently a free agent after leaving South Korean side FC Seoul in December, arrived at the Seagrave training ground this morning in a move that suggests manager Steve Cooper is desperate to inject veteran top-flight experience into his struggling squad. With Leicester currently languishing in 22nd place and fighting a bitter relegation battle, the timing of the invitation has raised eyebrows across the league, particularly as the Foxes prepare to face a high-flying Middlesbrough side sitting second in the table.
Lingard’s presence at training marks a dramatic potential return to English football after a globetrotting stint in the K League, where he captained Seoul and notched 19 goals. While the former West Ham loanee has been heavily linked with a shock move to Brazilian side Remo in recent days, the late intervention from Leicester suggests a final attempt to keep the playmaker in the United Kingdom. Club insiders suggest that the one-day trial is a “fitness and character assessment” to see if Lingard can provide the immediate spark needed to save Leicester’s season. The move is a significant gamble given that Middlesbrough reportedly rejected the chance to sign Lingard earlier this month, citing concerns over his match sharpness and high wage demands.
As the squad prepares to travel to the Riverside Stadium for Tuesday’s 7:45 PM kick-off, the focus has shifted entirely to whether Lingard can secure a short-term contract in time to impact the run-in. For a player who was once a staple of the England national team, this “last-minute” audition represents a high-stakes crossroads. If Lingard impresses, he could become the unlikely hero in Leicester’s quest for survival; if not, he is expected to board a flight to South America to finalize his move to Brazil. All eyes will be on the team sheet tomorrow to see if this bizarre training ground appearance translates into a sensational deadline-beating signing.
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