Speaking on The Athletic Football Podcast, David Ornstein has been discussing Jesse Lingard as his search for a new club continues.
The former Manchester United man has been without a club since the end of last month and while the likes of West Ham and Tottenham have been linked, he’s yet to sign a contract with a new team.
He’s had offers from both Saudi Arabia and MLS, but according to Ornstein, the player’s preference is to remain in the Premier League, and he’s on the verge of deciding which club to join as he weighs up three offers from the English top-flight.
What’s been said?
Ornstein discussed Lingard’s future and his impending decision.
“His preference is to remain in the Premier League with three proposals on the table. West Ham have been linked, Everton and various other clubs. It’s not been as smooth as he’d hoped because he would have liked to have been at a club in time for pre-season, but he’s very close to a decision now we’re assured, and we’ll pick up on that as the week goes on.
“This is a fascinating case of a player who has bags of ability and is proven at club and international level. This is probably his last big move and there’s so much riding on it. He’s finally got control of his career post-Manchester United.
Go to West Ham
Lingard has three offers on the table, but we can’t help but feel as though he has to join West Ham this summer.
A move to any other club would be a pretty substantial risk, especially if he joined a team like Tottenham where he wouldn’t be guaranteed first-team minutes.
Meanwhile, at West Ham he’d be reuniting with a squad and a manager he knows well and after a remarkable loan spell with the Hammers 18 months ago, a return to the London Stadium may be the best thing for Lingard and his hopes of going to the Qatar World Cup.
Lingard may have a number of options on the table, but he’d be a fool to join any club other than West Ham.
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