West Ham “dodged a bullet” when Jesse Lingard opted to join Nottingham Forest over a return to the London Stadium in the summer.
What’s the word?
That is according to journalist Paul Brown, who has told GIVEMESPORT that West Ham’s failure to persuade the 32-cap England international has worked out in the long term.
The journalist feels that the player was “never particularly committed” to signing for the club, despite West Ham’s desires to sign him.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Brown said: “Whether West Ham feel that or not, I’m not sure. But I think they certainly dodged a bullet with Jesse Lingard.
“It was clear through that whole saga that he was never particularly committed to wanting to play for the club.”
“Dodged a bullet”
Having failed to make his mark in seven appearances, £120k-per-week Lingard finds himself on a barren run, whilst his side are fighting for their life in a tense relegation battle, despite splashing around £146million on a brand new squad.
It is not what the 29-year-old would have envisaged, but it is of course an unfortunate reality.
As to whether West Ham dodged a bullet with this one, it’s tough to call.
Lingard was revitalised under the tutelage of David Moyes in what was a career-defining move that fired him back into contention for a starting role at Manchester United.
Nine goals and four assists in 16 Premier League appearances proved to be the best-ever season of returns for the Carrington graduate, and one would wonder whether he could have returned to that form under Moyes once more.
Rather than West Ham thinking that they have dodged a bullet with this signing, it is perhaps more of a case of regret from Lingard’s end, with a future move to the London Stadium not likely given the signing of Lucas Paqueta; unless the 29-year-old would be willing to play a bit-part role for the Irons, of course.
