“Ridiculous”: BBC pundit criticises 29-year-old for rejecting West Ham & Newcastle offers

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BBC pundit Garth Crooks has criticised Jesse Lingard for choosing to join Nottingham Forest instead of West Ham or Newcastle.

What’s the story?

Well, the 29-year-old shocked many when he opted for a move to the City Ground, despite well-publicised offers from West Ham and Newcastle.

The Telegraph believe that the Hammers offered Lingard more money than Nottingham Forest, while Newcastle also made attempts to sign the England international – Callum Wilson has even expressed disappointment that he didn’t join the Magpies.

Michail Antonio also seems upset by the midfielder’s decision, as he admitted that the Nottingham Forest No.11 is a “player we need” at the London Stadium.

Now, Crooks has called Lingard’s decision a “ridiculous” one – with his feelings strangely shoehorned into a section praising Fabian Schar for his performance on Saturday.

The BBC pundit wrote: “Schar’s strike for Newcastle’s opening goal was struck beautifully. This footballer can defend and play in equal measure. Precisely what Lingard is doing at Forest I am not entirely sure, but a one-year deal on a free transfer? What sort of commitment is that? Does Lingard think we are all stupid?

“Take the deal and split if the team goes down – is that the plan? I’m not sure who looks more ridiculous. Lingard for signing or Forest for accepting the terms.”

In truth, it was an odd decision by Lingard.

As aforesaid, West Ham offered the Warrington-born midfielder more money, while they also put a two-year contract on the table instead of the one-year deal he signed with Nottingham Forest.

Had Lingard signed that, he would be in a far more secure situation, while also playing for a side in the UEFA Conference League – his decision to join Nottingham Forest really does baffle us, with all due respect.

Jesse Lingard should’ve opted for West Ham or Newcastle

In the instance that Nottingham Forest are relegated, Lingard will find himself a free agent, and in the exact same position he was in before penning a deal with Steve Cooper’s side.

He must hope Nottingham Forest survive, or it will be another wasted season of his career after spending the 2021/22 campaign on the sidelines at Manchester United.

Hopefully, Lingard’s decision pays off.