Pranav Nair
Manchester United star Jesse Lingard refuses to close the door on a summer exit to West Ham United
According to multiple sources, Manchester United star Jesse Lingard could perform a u-turn and return to West Ham United on a permanent basis this summer.
The 28-year-old spent the second half of the 2020/21 season on loan at the Hammers, producing a number of scintillating performances that gained him much traction. This revival of fortunes also saw him make the extended list for England’s Euro 2020 squad.
While he eventually missed out, the fact that he was even considered is saying something given his struggles at United. Currently, back at Old Trafford, Lingard missed our season opener against Leeds United after testing positive for COVID-19.
In an interview with Jamie Redknapp for the Daily Mail, Lingard responded positively to his experience in donning the London side’s shirt. To even call it a success would be an understatement.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better loan. I’ll always support West Ham. They’ll stay in my heart and I’ll retain that bond with them.”
While he did not explicitly claim that he would like to return to London, the door is far from closed. Lingard went on to indicate that he is in a happy place right now and will make the decision on his future himself.
“I’m not going to rush into anything. What comes will come. I feel like I’m in the driving seat. I’m happy.”
The news of Lingard potentially performing a u-turn and rejoining West Ham was also relayed by an ex WHU employee (h/t Hammers News).
The Red Devils were originally asking for £35m but are now ready to settle for just £20m instead. It still represents a substantial amount for a player who has just a year left on his current deal.
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Lingard scored nine goals and made five assists in 16 appearances as the Hammers finished sixth, qualifying for the Europa League this season. He also won the Player of the Month and the Goal of the Month awards for April and was amongst the best players in the league.
Having struggled to impress at United under Ole Gunnar Solskajer, a move to est Ham would be a welcome change for his career. In his prime, he should be playing regularly and not warming the bench, even if it is Manchester United. With the World Cup coming up next summer, he will do well to play regularly at West Ham.
