Gabby Agbonlahor: West Ham United cannot pay Jesse Lingard more than current players
Gabby Agbonlahor has slammed Jesse Lingard live on talkSPORT as the former Manchester United man’s wage demands continue to stall his move to West Ham.
It was reported by 90min on 28 June that David Moyes has made Lingard his number one with the West Ham boss “pushing hard” to bring the 29-year-old back to the London Stadium.
However, ESPN reported on 6 July that Lingard has discussed moving to the MLS as his wage demands continue to be a stumbling block at the London Stadium.
Talking on talkSPORT on Thursday 14 July, Agbonlahor said: “West Ham are thinking Michail Antonio has had a great season we can’t give Lingard more than him.
“Bowen’s done amazing they can’t give him [Lingard] more than him.
“If they start giving Lingard £150,000 or £180,000 then everyone will be stood at the owners’ office.
“He’s not going to be able to get the money he’s asking for, even in the MLS.
“He needs to lower those wage demands and go to West Ham.”
Greed
It is a really sad state of affairs to see Lingard demand an extortionate amount from West Ham after making absolutely no impression on the Manchester United first team in the 2021/22 season.
Agbonlahor is completely right in suggesting that Lingard shouldn’t be on more money than West Ham’s main players.
It is difficult to understand Lingard’s reasoning behind his outrageous demands of West Ham.
Jarrod Bowen managed 12 goals and 12 assists in the 2021/22 season whereas Lingard managed just two goals.
Offering the free agent over £150,000 a week would send an awful message to the rest of the Hammers’ squad and also the London Stadium faithful.
Lingard’s handling of the situation is hardly endearing himself to West Ham’s fans and it is getting to a point where many fans won’t want the attacking midfielder to sign.
Moyes would be far better off focussing on younger attacking targets such a Sassuolo pair Gianluca Scamacca and Giacomo Raspadori.
If the Hammers stay firm with Lingard, there is always a chance that the 29-year-old will come to his senses and lower his demands.