Frank McAvennie urges West Ham to spend £18m on Jesse Lingard
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie has implored West Ham to stump up the cash for Jesse Lingard and ensure he does not spend a wasted year at Manchester United.
The 28-year-old spent a successful half-season loan at West Ham during the 2020/21 campaign, scoring nine Premier League goals to help inspire the Irons to a Europa League berth.
There has been mass speculation since as to whether he will return to the London Stadium on a permanent deal from Manchester United, with Irons insiders Claret and Hugh reporting last week that £18million could seal the deal.
Former West Ham forward McAvennie believes there should be no hesitation from the club.
“It’s a no-brainer, just pay it,” he told West Ham Zone. “Just go and get him.
“He’s only got a year left on his contract, it would be terrible to think that Manchester United would take him back and let him sit there for another year.
“They’ll get him in January if David Sullivan wants to play a game.
“I would just go and pay it.”
Small change
He may only have a year left on his Manchester United contract, but £18million is a small price to pay for one of the Premier League’s most impressive talents in the second half of last season.
Lingard was a revelation for the Irons after joining in late January, with his on-field heroics combined with his infectious personality making him a cult hero in his short time in east London.
He will turn 29 this year, which means it makes very little sense to hold out until he’s a free agent in 20220.
Now is the time to act and ensure we see his best years, while he is in the most confident form of his life.
In other West Ham news, Roy Keane has been blown away by this ‘Unbelievable’ Irons star who is a ‘Hell of a player’.
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