West Ham United summer target Jesse Lingard ‘should have regrets’ over transfer snub
West Ham chased Jesse Lingard’s signature over the summer, but the 29-year-old midfielder instead chose to sign with Nottingham Forest.
Lingard was a huge success during his loan spell at West Ham in the 2020/21 season, but the English playmaker stayed at Manchester United for the following season.
He then left the Red Devils this summer upon the expiration of his contract, and David Moyes again showed interest in bringing him back to east London.
But in a surprise move, Lingard instead signed for newly-promoted side Nottingham Forest – a decision former Eurosport journalist Dean Jones believes he is regretting.
Jones told GiveMeSport: “I think he should have regrets. It was clearly a better environment for him, he would have played, he was successful there.
“There can be any number of reasons why he chose Nottingham Forest instead, but I think it was a mistake.”
Quickly forgotten
Lingard was an instant hit with the players and fans at West Ham during his loan spell, and you’d have been stretched to find anyone associated with the club who weren’t desperate to see him join permanently.
However, it seems Lingard snubbed the Hammers for a bigger payout in Nottingham, and it’s him that is paying the price.
He’s been sparingly used by Steve Cooper at the City Ground and has played poorly in a squad struggling for form.
West Ham themselves haven’t enjoyed the best start to a season ever, but things are starting to pick up for Moyes’ side, and Lingard’s replacement has thrived in claret and blue.
Upon hearing the news that Lingard snubbed West Ham, the club moved quickly and instead signed midfielder Lucas Paqeuta.
The Brazilian playmaker has settled in brilliantly and looks to be a huge addition to the Hammers squad. As a result, fans have quickly forgotten about Lingard’s short spell at the London Stadium.