O’Neil faces PL competition for a 30-year-old “difference maker”
Who will win the race to sign the free agent?
West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers will compete for the signing of Jesse Lingard, who is still a free agent after his contract with Nottingham Forest expired.
According to Sky Sports [5th September, 18:08pm], the former Manchester United player is close to determining where he will play his football in the next days.
According to the report, the 30-year-old has been training with former club West Ham over the summer and will play in a behind-closed-doors friendly this week, which will test his match fitness and ability in the Irons’ squad. However, Premier League rivals Wolves are chasing Lingard’s signature, with the four-time FA Cup winners also interested.
What is the most recent news about Jesse Lingard?
Wolves have spent £80 million so far this season, and were forced to pay £43 million for Matheus Cunha due to a condition in the Brazilian’s contract following his loan spell at Molineux last season.
The Midlands club is cash-strapped, so signing Lingard on a free transfer may be the ideal way for them to boost their squad depth without breaking the bank.
Gary O’Neil stated in his first press conference as Wolves manager that he is “pleased” with where his team stands right now.
“I’m just going to work with the players who are here, work extremely hard, and get the most out of them.” I’m quite happy with the group. I believe there is enough quality in there to compete.
“I am sure things will move and change, but for the time being, I am content with where we are.” “I like the group, and I believe we have a chance to do something this year,” he remarked.
What became of Lingard?
Following a fantastic loan spell at West Ham, the offensive star signed a contract with newly-promoted Nottingham Forest, making him the highest paid at City Ground.
The 32-cap England midfielder was in “sensational” form during his time at the Irons, according to former Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn, scoring nine goals and assisting five in 16 games for the three-time FA Cup winners.
Dan Woffenden, the host of ‘The West Ham Way’ pre-match show, also praised him as a “difference maker” during that time.
Moyes has previously expressed his desire to work with Lingard again after his failed bid to sign the Englishman last year.
In a press conference at the start of last season, Moyes stated:
“You couldn’t say David Sullivan and the owners didn’t do everything in their power to get him.” They most certainly did. I have to add that the club has tried to sign a number of players, but for various reasons, we have not been successful.
“You never know, [whether he will try to sign Lingard again] it’s a difficult question, I don’t know how I can answer it.” Maybe if he scores 25 goals and has a good season next year. If he doesn’t, I might not.”
Forest, on the other hand. The English master failed to duplicate his prowess from east London, failing to score or assist in the Reds’ 17 Premier League appearances.
Given the Old Gold’s financial issues, getting Lingard on a free transfer wouldn’t be the worst idea, especially if O’Neil can squeeze that West Ham-level of form out of him for the rest of 2023.
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