In a recent report, The Sun claimed that Everton have joined the race to land Manchester United playmaker Jesse Lingard this summer. It is understood that the Toffees could face competition in the form of West Ham United in pursuit of the English attacker during this summer transfer period (via The Sun).
Lingard’s Impressive Loan Spell At The London Stadium Recently
Lingard enjoyed a majestic loan spell with the Hammers in the second half of the previous campaign when he put in a run of consistent performances for them in the final third. The 28-year-old netted nine goals and picked up five assists in 16 matches for the East London outfit last season.
The Warrington-born talent was a productive presence in the opposition half as he averaged 2.6 shots, 1.1 key passes and 1.1 dribbles per 90 minutes in Premier League football. He even distributed possession with accuracy after he made 83.6% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
Lingard has proven himself to be a reliable goal-getter when he is playing regularly on the field. Hence, Everton boss Rafael Benitez might fancy getting the best out of him at Goodison Park if he can devise a way to acquire his services this summer.
What Will Lingard Bring To Goodison Park?
Lingard can get himself into some dangerous areas in and around the opponent’s penalty box. He excels at completing some decent dribbles in the opposition half and has got the eye to play a decisive pass to cut open the opponent’s defence.
The English attacker can also bang in his fair share of goals up top which made him such a valuable presence in David Moyes’ West Ham team last season. Lingard could struggle to earn regular playing minutes at Old Trafford if he decides to stay and fight for his place in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s starting XI in the upcoming campaign.
Hence, the Toffees are in a good position to bring the English sensation to Merseyside as they can promise him regular first-team opportunities which will be quite tempting for the player to turn down. Lingard is good enough to be a success story at Goodison Park as he will bring a lot of goals and creativity to Benitez’s attack.
The Man United playmaker could go on to form a fruitful attacking partnership with Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin at the blue half of Merseyside in the coming seasons. Hence, the Toffees should think about going all out to recruit him ahead of the new season.
