There has been fear that West Ham may not sign Jesse Lingard before Wednesday’s deadline but our own ExWHUEmployee has provided some clarification on this.
It’s been the worst kept secret in football that Lingard has, once again, been training at Rush Green.
The news was broken exclusively by Ex a few weeks back and initially it was said to be an extremely small chance that he rejoins the Hammers. Now, after impressing in training, the player, controversially, looks set to sign for the Hammers again.
Unsurprisingly, many fans shared their dismay at the potential resigning of Jesse after he snubbed us in three separate windows. However, it’s hard to imagine anyone complaining if he performs like he did during his first stint in Claret and Blue.
The former Manchester United player has been dropping hints all over social media lately, potentially to show his determination to play for West Ham and get the fans back on board. From pictures of him in West Ham training gear, to him watching our games and making sure his followers know he’s in London, he clearly wants the fans on his side.
He played 75 minutes in a behind-closed-doors friendly recently and, while lacking fitness, was said to have a good game.
There’s been growing concern amongst fans that they wouldn’t have signed him in time for squad registration deadline on Wednesday at 2pm but our man in the know provided some clarification on the situation. “Wednesday is the date that Premier League clubs are required to register their squads by,” ExWHUEmployee confirmed, “although Lingard could still be registered after.”
“If West Ham leave a squad space available and only register 24 players then because Lingard is a free agent and has played for no other club this window, he could be registered after this deadline.”
He added that “the number 11 shirt that Jesse Lingard wore during his last spell with us is coincidentally still available too.”
Despite interest from other clubs, the East London side are in no rush to secure his signature. He is said to regret not signing for West Ham when he had the chance and feels like it’s his second home and, therefore, we have an upper hand over other teams.
It’s great to see Moyes taking his time to assess Lingard as well as making him earn a potential contract. It’s also nice knowing there’s no rush for us to sign him either, and that any potential meltdown has, hopefully, been avoided. David Moyes acknowledged that he’s been training with us for the first time today, so that could be a potential sign that things are moving in the right direction. It’s been an admittedly draining saga over the last couple of seasons, we’re all hoping for that fairytale ending though.
By Charlie Bass
