Having fallen down the pecking order at Manchester United, the January window presented a good opportunity for Jesse Lingard to leave his boyhood club in order to get some regular football.
“I Felt This Was The Right Move”
The United academy graduate had lost his confidence in a Reds’ shirt, failing to score a Premier League goal between December 2018 and July 2020. When David Moyes’ West Ham side, arguably the surprise package of this season, came calling, despite the interest of several clubs, Lingard settled on a move to the London Stadium to reunite with his former manager. “There were lots of clubs involved but, for me personally, I felt this was the right move.” Lingard told West Ham’s Youtube channel.
At 28, and coming into the prime years of his career, the motivation behind Lingard’s move to West Ham is simple; to get regular game time under his belt and to start enjoying his football once more. His West Ham career has got off to an impressive start, scoring three goals and registering two assists in his first five appearances.
It is evident Lingard is enjoying his time in Claret & Blue at the moment, he has a noticeable glow and confidence about him. After almost all of his games, he’s had a smile from ear to ear and has been embraced by his coaches and manager.
“Jesse Is A Top Player”
Speaking to West Ham’s website Lingard said: “I’ve settled in really well and the lads have taken to me really well.” This was echoed in a recent TalkSport interview with current skipper, Declan Rice. He maintained that Lingard has brought nothing but quality to the club since his arrival. “Jesse is a top player, I knew this from when I played with him for England.” Rice went on to say “I’m so happy we’ve got him here now at West Ham. Hopefully we can do that for much longer for next season as well.”
With Lingard settling into the club, and his team mates taking to him very quickly indeed, talk will now turn towards the possibility of a permanent switch to the London Stadium in the summer transfer window.
When negotiating the terms of Lingard’s loan deal in January, West Ham were keen to add a buy option, however United opted against doing so. This in turn could work in United’s favour, as it may allow them to demand a higher fee for Lingard should West Ham seek to turn his temporary move into a permanent one.
Reports surrounding a fee for Lingard vary at the moment, with some suggesting the England international could be available for as little as £10 million, while others report United are holding out for closer to £20 million. It has also emerged that Leicester City are monitoring Lingard’s situation and are prepared to rival the Hammers in an attempt to secure his signature.
“I Hope We Can Keep Him”
It is fair to say the England international is a massive hit with the Hammers faithful already. Describing the January arrival, supporter Alex Smith said “he’s come in and done very well, he looks such a good player and I hope we can keep him.”
David Moyes’ men currently sit fourth in the league with 12 games to go. Should West Ham secure European football and Lingard’s electric form continue, the Hammers will be hoping to secure his services on a permanent basis.
