West Ham United reject free agent Jesse Lingard after new Al Ettifaq development in the last 24 hours West Ham United have declined the chance to sign free agent Jesse Lingard, with the former Manchester United forward now training with Saudi Arabian side Al Ettifaq.
Steven Gerrard’s team announced on their official Twitter account on Friday evening (22 September) that Lingard will join the club on a month-long training contract.
Fabrizio Romano, an Italian transfer guru, reported on Friday on his personal Twitter that it will be up to both parties to pursue a permanent deal after Lingard had been working with West Ham all summer.
“Jesse Lingard has joined Al Ettifaq on training for one month — as he’s still available as a free agent,” Romano posted on Twitter. If Lingard and Ettifaq want to continue playing together, Steven Gerrard will have a say.”
After it appeared at some point during the summer that the former Manchester United forward would be joining the Hammers on a short-term deal (90Min, 14 September), it now appears that David Moyes and the club have decided to break connections for good.
The Warrington-born attacker was also spotted boarding a flight to Dubai on Friday evening, putting an end to any speculation that he’d be returning to the London Stadium, where he previously played.
Moyes would have salivated at the chance to sign Lingard on a permanent basis after his incredible exploits at the club during the 2020/21 season, but the 30-year-old simply hasn’t been the same since, and had any Premier League team wanted him, he would have been back in the English top-flight playing by now.
After a few reserve appearances for the Hammers, he should have improved his fitness and be ready to make a mark under Steven Gerrard.
Moyes only spoke about Lingard’s improvement in training on Friday, giving the impression that he’d be joining soon, but there was also the impression that he wasn’t entirely sure.
And it has certainly been demonstrated by the latest developments, and considering his previous troubles, it may turn out to be the perfect decision by West Ham United.
