Following the 2018 World Cup, Jesse Lingard saw his career taking steps in the wrong direction. In January 2021, after Lingard lost his spot in the Manchester United match-day squad, they loaned him to West Ham United. His fortunes have dramatically turned for the better since.
David Moyes Wants Jesse Lingard to Stay With West Ham
Jesse Lingard Performing Phenomenally for the Hammers
In 13 West Ham appearances, the attacking-midfielder has scored 9 times and assisted 3 more goals. Also capable of playing as a center-forward and left-winger, bringing in Jesse Lingard has helped West Ham United maintain their push for a spot in next season’s European competitions.
The 28-year-old has since been recalled to the England national team and nominated for Premier League Player of the Month three months in a row, winning the award in April.
David Moyes Wants Lingard in the Future
In December, prior to joining West Ham on-loan, Jesse Lingard signed a contract extension with Manchester United: his current deal will now expire in 2022. Despite his success in East London, an immediate return to the Manchester United spotlight is unlikely. With Lingard set to enter the last year of his contract, the Red Devils know it will be their last chance to cash in on him, rather than let him leave for free the following season.
When talking to the press about Lingard’s future and his potential permanent departure from Manchester United, Moyes said: “If [Manchester United] choose that they want to let him go, I would hope he would consider us as one of his options.”
Lingard’s transfer value has likely risen due to his performances at West Ham and the Hammers may well be regretting their decision not to implement an option to buy in the initial loan deal. So, whether or not the Hammers will be able to afford his services permanently remains to be seen. The very nature of him entering the last year of his Manchester United contract may prove to be decisive in compromising a fair fee.
Lingard’s return could spell the difference between continuing to fight with the big boys and a regression back to mediocrity, and it is an especially necessary piece of business if they finish in the European places.
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