Trevor Sinclair has claimed that if West Ham United transfer target Jesse Lingard ‘wants to be taken seriously’, then he doesn’t move to America, as he told talkSPORT.
There is talk of the former Manchester United star, who is a free-agent after leaving Old Trafford last month, possibly heading for the MLS and playing for Wayne Rooney’s DC United.
At the age of 30, Lingard is still at the peak of his powers, with the likes of West Ham keen to bring him on board this summer.
But, despite having no transfer fee attached to his name, he still hasn’t agreed on a deal with a new club, which leaves the door open for him to make a switch to America.
If the England international opts to go down that road, then West Ham legend Sinclair thinks he won’t be considered as an ‘elite’ player.
On why he would move to MLS: “For lifestyle, for a good financial package,” said Sinclair. “But not for elite football reasons. I think if he wants to be taken seriously as an elite footballer, then he stays in Europe. Stays in England the Premier League, if he can.
“I am sure there are offers on the table for him. I think if you are going out to DC, listen each to their own. He’s got that choice. If he wants that easier life, be the big star over there, score lots of goals, be successful and have a different lifestyle. I think that’s down to him.
“If he wants to be thought upon as an elite footballer still competing at the right top, top level, then he doesn’t go to America.
“Moments, (he will be remembered) for moments. I think if you want to be respected by your peers, then you do it for 15-20 odd years.”
MLS THE RETIREMENT HOME
If Lingard opts to join the MLS and possibly re-unite with new DC United manager Wayne Rooney, then he can start his road to retirement.
At the age of 30, he can still produce top, top performances in the Premier League, and that for teams near the top of the table like West Ham.
The last time he was in the colours of Claret & Blue, he helped them secure Europa League football and he himself just about missed out on the cut for England’s Euro 2020 squad.
If he returns to the London Stadium, then the chances of David Moyes securing another top six finish would increase next season, as well as Lingard possibly making England’s squad for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
But, at the end of the day, the attack-minded midfielder hasn’t played on a regular basis for the past three seasons, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him pick the MLS for his next move.
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