West Ham left out of pocket after last-ditch U-turn on signing Jesse Lingard

29 September 2023 , 08:24

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Jesse Lingard is a free agent after leaving Nottingham Forest (Image: Getty Images)

Jesse Lingard’s unsuccessful trial period at West Ham cost the club thousands of pounds in accommodation and travel costs.

Earlier this month, Hammers boss David Moyes 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. It is believed his entire trial at West Ham lasted six weeks.

However no move 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.

West Ham are out of pocket from the deal, as they paid for a hotel room for Lingard during his six weeks at the club while also sorted all his travel costs. Earlier this summer, the former Man United star, 30, pleaded guilty and was banned from driving for six months after giving police a fake name following a speeding infraction.

Lingard was caught over the limit by a camera on the A56 last year. Manchester Magistrates’ Court delivered the verdict in July after hearing that he gave police the name of a man who "does not exist" and an address that is "believed to be a car park" after he received the speeding notice at his home near Altrincham.

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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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Lingard is on the lookout for his next club after leaving Nottingham Forest (PA)

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, with the club counting the cost of a trial period which the player reneged upon.

West Ham boss Moyes insisted that he was “not disappointed” by Lingard’s exit and insisted that his squad were in good shape this term without the former England international rejoining their ranks.

Colin Millar