Glen Johnson amused Lingard didn’t join West Ham
Glen Johnson has been left perplexed after West Ham failed to sign Manchester United attacker Jesse Lingard this summer.
The Hammers were keen on getting Lingard to the London Stadium after he impressed there on loan during the second half of last season.
There appeared to be some hope until West Ham signed Nikola Vlasic and Johnson, who is also a Sky Sports pundit, was surprised that they didn’t sign the England international permanently.
Speaking to Betting Odds, he said: “I think both Jesse and West Ham will be a bit gutted.
“It’s blown my mind how this transfer didn’t happen, but who knows? For Jesse personally, he’s missed a good opportunity to get himself a good contract and to be a Hammer. I think he’s let one go there.”
Spot on
It leaves us all surprised that Lingard preferred staying on as a bit-part player at Old Trafford rather than being a regular at the London Stadium.
He enjoyed some of his best football at West Ham under David Moyes and everyone at the club was keen on signing him permanently.
Whether or not he wanted the move too, but was waiting for the clubs to agree on a fee, is still up in the air.
Alternatively, he could have forced his way out of the club as he’s got only a year left on his new deal.
Most probably, he will now extend his contract and if Vlasic does well, the Irons are unlikely to go in for him again.
In other West Ham news, ‘Insiders have confirmed’ – Report shares major behind-the-scenes Hammers contract developments
Be sure to follow West Ham Zone on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on the Hammers and more exclusive interviews with Frank McAvennie.