In a recent report, The Evening Standard stated that Manchester United attacker Jesse Lingard has rejected a new contract with the Mancunian club amid interest from West Ham United where he had a fruitful loan spell earlier this year. It is understood that the English playmaker has declined Man United’s fresh offer after being frustrated with the lack of game time which could potentially open the door for the Hammers to re-sign him when he becomes a free agent next summer.
Lingard’s Excellent Form On Loan At The London Stadium Last Season
Lingard had a terrific loan spell with the East London outfit last season when he caught the eye for putting in a run of productive displays as the main orchestrator of David Moyes’ attack. The Warrington-born player made 16 appearances for the Hammers in the previous campaign, netting nine goals and picking up five assists across all competitions.
The 28-year-old proved himself to be a valuable presence for West Ham in the final third after he averaged 2.6 shots, 1.1 key passes and 1.1 dribbles per 90 minutes in the 2020-21 Premier League season. He even distributed the ball relatively well in the final third, as evidenced by his pass success rate of 83.6% in the English top-flight (stats via whoscored).
Lingard can play in multiple positions in the opponent’s half as he is primarily an attacking midfielder who can also fill in as a wide player on either flank if required. Hence, he could once again be a key asset for Moyes’ side if the Hammers can find a way to secure his services permanently in January or at the end of this campaign.
Should The Hammers Move In For Lingard In January?
Lingard can be a delight to watch when he is dribbling at full swing as he can maintain possession in tight spaces and has got the ability to create some decent goal-scoring opportunities in the attacking end of the pitch. When the English talent is playing regularly, he can be a consistent goal-scorer in front of the opposition goal. However, things have not fallen in place for the Man United academy graduate at the Theatre of Dreams, so it is no surprise that he has decided to reject a new contract.
West Ham could try their luck and potentially land Lingard in January if they are willing to pay a cut-price fee for his signature. Otherwise, Moyes should wait until next summer before sealing a move for the English sensation on a free transfer.
With all things considered, the London outfit should think about moving in for Lingard when the transfer window reopens at the start of next year as they are likely to face less competition during that time.
