The possibility of Jesse Lingard securing a free transfer to West Ham United appears to be dwindling, with other players staking their claim in his position, as reported by West Ham Football.
Six Foot Two’s editor relayed this development via Twitter on September 19, indicating that while the final decision rests with manager David Moyes, there’s a growing belief that the free agent could become “surplus to requirements” and might “struggle to get game time” if offered a deal.
Despite training with the club throughout the summer after his exit from Nottingham Forest, Lingard’s future at West Ham remains uncertain. The Hammers can still sign him, given they have fewer than 25 players over the age of 21 in their squad, allowing them to make additions even after the Premier League squad registration deadline has passed.
Ultimately, Lingard’s potential return depends on factors such as cost and Moyes’ assessment of his contribution to the team. However, the fact that he has remained available for weeks without a formal signing suggests that the manager may have reservations about his current form.
In the fiercely contested attacking midfield positions, Lingard faces stiff competition from players like Jarrod Bowen, James Ward-Prowse, Lucas Paqueta, and Mohammed Kudus. With these talents in the mix, the chances of Lingard securing a regular starting spot seem limited unless he manages to recapture his past form.
Furthermore, West Ham boasts depth in supporting attacking roles, with Said Benrahma, Pablo Fornals, and potentially Maxwel Cornet providing alternatives. While Moyes might consider Lingard over Cornet, the Ivorian player has struggled to establish himself under the Irons’ boss, making the situation complex.
The unresolved futures of both Benrahma and Fornals add another layer of complexity to Lingard’s potential return. As West Ham continues to assess its squad and explore its options, Lingard’s path to securing a place in the team appears increasingly challenging.