West Ham Withdraws Interest in Signing Jesse Lingard
West Ham United has reportedly withdrawn its interest in signing midfielder Jesse Lingard. Lingard had been training with the Hammers since August but will not be returning to the club permanently. According to The Athletic, West Ham has decided not to pursue a deal with the free agent.
Lingard joined West Ham as he searched for a new club this summer after his one-year deal with Nottingham Forest expired in June. The 30-year-old even featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Ipswich earlier this month. However, it seems that West Ham has now decided against signing him.
This news comes after Lingard spent the second half of the 2020/21 season on loan at West Ham, where he made a significant impact. He scored nine goals and provided five assists in just 16 matches, showcasing his talent and versatility on the field.
It was not just West Ham who showed interest in Lingard. Wolves were also reportedly keen on signing the former Manchester United star, but a deal never materialized. Lingard’s withdrawal from West Ham’s radar has led him to Saudi Arabia, where he is currently training with Al-Ettifaq.
Lingard has joined up with Steven Gerrard’s side and is expected to spend a month training with the Saudi Pro League outfit. This move provides Lingard with an opportunity to showcase his skills and potentially secure a contract with Al-Ettifaq.
Gerrard, who recently took charge of Al-Ettifaq, has already made some notable signings from the Premier League since his appointment. He brought in Jordan Henderson and Demarai Gray to strengthen the squad. Lingard’s presence during training will undoubtedly add further quality to the team.
Al-Ettifaq is currently performing well in the Saudi Pro League, sitting in fourth place with five wins and just one loss from their opening seven matches. Lingard’s inclusion in the training sessions could potentially bolster the team’s chances of success in the league.
While West Ham’s decision not to sign Lingard may come as a surprise to some, it opens up new possibilities for the midfielder. Lingard will now have the chance to impress Gerrard and his coaching staff at Al-Ettifaq, potentially earning a contract with the Saudi Arabian club.
Lingard’s time at West Ham last season proved that he still has a lot to offer on the field. His goal-scoring ability and creative playmaking skills were crucial in helping West Ham secure a sixth-place finish in the Premier League. Lingard’s performances also earned him a recall to the England national team for the UEFA European Championship.
With Lingard’s future now uncertain, fans will be eager to see where he ends up. Whether it be a permanent move to Al-Ettifaq or another club, Lingard’s talent and experience will undoubtedly be an asset to any team.
In conclusion, West Ham United has decided not to pursue a permanent deal with Jesse Lingard. The midfielder, who had been training with the Hammers since August, will now join Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia for a month-long training stint. Lingard’s performances during this period could potentially earn him a contract with the Saudi Pro League outfit. While West Ham’s withdrawal may come as a surprise, Lingard’s time at the club last season showcased his abilities and opened up new opportunities for him in the footballing world. Fans will eagerly await news of Lingard’s next move and where he will continue his career.