If a report from Sky Sports is believed to be true, West Ham United have made an offer for Jesse Lingard who is available on a Bosman transfer. The 29-year-old Englishman will be a free agent on July 1 and the Hammers are keen on having him back in East London following a blistering loan stint last year.
The Irons failed to rope in anyone during winter but are aggressively pursuing their transfer targets so far this summer. They have tied down Nayef Aguerd to bolster their backline, whereas Alphonse Areola’s loan has been made permanent to maintain their depth as well as quality between the sticks. The likes of Keane Lewis-Potter and Armando Broja are also on their radar, however, the signing of Lingard would be a shrewd piece of business, given his availability for nothing prior to the upcoming term.
The Three Lions international is set to leave the Manchester United camp upon the expiration of his contract. He spent more than two decades at his boyhood club but deserved a better sending-off irrespective of his playing minutes over the past couple of years. He decided to fight for his place after a stellar spell with the Hammers, but his gametime was rare both under Ole Gunnar Solskjær and the interim chief Ralf Rangnick.
Why West Ham United Will Be Boosted By His Return
Lingard played 22 times last season but was handed only four starts across competitions. He found himself down the pecking order behind Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Edinson Cavani and Cristiano Ronaldo and Mason Greenwood. His versatility high up the pitch has not been utilized since Jose Mourinho’s dismissal and the player, therefore, is ready for a fresh start to bring his career back on the track.
West Ham, on the other hand, performed well in the Europa League as they progressed to the semifinals of this esteemed competition. But a seventh-place league finish has only earned them a place in the Conference League qualifiers. David Moyes must be determined to climb up the league ladder next season, and therefore, is keen on attacking reinforcements despite having the likes of Michail Antonio, Said Benrahma, Jarrod Bowen and Pablo Fornals.
The Irons, meanwhile, have parted ways with Andriy Yarmolenko. The Ukrainian featured in various offensive roles and Lingard is expected to emulate the veteran with his experience and expertise in the attacking third. He fired in 9 goals and laid on 5 more in 16 Premier League appearances during his previous stint and the manager must demand another exquisite run if a move takes place in due time.
