Guardian journalist says Jesse Lingard to West Ham would be a ‘great move’
The Guardian’s Manchester football correspondent Jamie Jackson believes a move to West Ham United would be a “great move” for free agent Jesse Lingard.
Manchester United confirmed on Wednesday that Lingard will depart the club this summer after 22-years at Old Trafford.
It has been reported [The Guardian, 24 May] that David Moyes has reignited his interest in the 29-year-old and Jackson believes a move to the London Stadium could suit Lingard.
Talking on talkSPORT Breakfast on Thursday [07:16, 2 June], Jackson said: “I don’t know what happened last summer with him being promised more game time United.
“I think now a move to West Ham would be a great move, to be honest.”
Stay clear
The Hammers should be looking elsewhere.
Lingard enjoyed a stellar loan spell at the London Stadium in the 2020-21 season but it is unlikely that he will be able to repeat his heroics if he returned to West Ham.
Furthermore, the England international’s wage demands will undoubtedly be extortionate considering he has sat on the bench for the best part of a year.
Finally, the 29-year-old is entering the twilight of his career and won’t provide West Ham with any potential sell-on value.
Moyes would be far better off investing in multiple younger players on lower wages rather than investing all his efforts into Lingard.
If Lingard was ready to accept a reasonable wage structure then it would’ve made sense for the Hammers.
The West Ham boss must forget about the 29-year-old and focus on a huge summer overhaul that needs to take place at the London Stadium this summer.
A new striker and defensive depth has got to be at the top of Moyes’ list.
In other West Ham news, Jarrod Bowen is set for a new bumper West Ham United contract after international call-up.
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.