Moyes' brutal response on Lingard speaks volumes after transfer U-turn
David Moyes has insisted West Ham are not disappointed at all that Jesse Lingard ended his one-month training stint at the club to move to Saudi Arabia.
Earlier this month, the Hammers boss announced that the former Manchester United midfielder was training with the club and struck an upbeat tone that suggested the 30-year-old would be offered a short-term contract by the club.
However that has not materialised, and Lingard ended his spell using the East London club’s facilities to begin training at Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq. They are the club managed by Steven Gerrard and whose ambitious spending this summer has seen the arrivals of Jordan Henderson, Moussa Dembele, Georginio Wijnaldum and Demarai Gray, among others.
Prior to joining the Hammers as a trialist, Lingard spent time training with two MLS clubs. However, DC United – managed by Wayne Rooney – did not take up the option to sign the former England international while Inter Miami also passed up on the opportunity to sign him.
Lingard was released by Nottingham Forest at the end of June following one season at the City Ground. The former England international starred for the Hammers during a loan spell in the second half of the 2020-21 campaign, when he scored nine goals in 16 appearances.
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That purple patch almost helped propel the East London side into a Champions League qualification spot that campaign, while it was anticipated he would join on a permanent deal from Manchester United – where his contract was due to expire the following year.
It had appeared that he was set for a return to the Hammers but Lingard has ended his ties and instead linked up with the Saudi club. Whether he will be offered a contract in the Middle East remains to be seen – but any move to West Ham is now off the table.
Have Your Say! Would Lingard have been a good signing for a Premier League club this summer? Tell us what you think here.
Lingard is on the lookout for his next club after leaving Nottingham Forest (PA)“No not at all (disappointed he has left for Saudi),” Moyes said after the Hammers fell to a 3-1 goal defeat at Liverpool on Sunday in the Premier League. “I’m quite comfortable and more than relaxed with it.
“I think I’ve been indicating to you (the media) boys that we’re having to see what he’s going to do and how’s he going to be. We like Jesse a lot but I just don’t know if we need another player in the position he would probably play for us.”
Earlier this summer, Lingard spoke of the need for a "project" which suits him and understands why other Premier League stars have already opted for the Saudi Pro League – leading to suggestions that he was open to a move to the Middle East.
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