The recent news that West Ham are in talks over a potential move for Jesse Lingard has understandably caused a stir.
The immediate suspicion is that the West Ham board — and David Sullivan in particular — may once again be trying to do things on the cheap. Whether that’s fair or not remains unclear, but it’s a label the chairman has brought upon himself. He has form, and there is very little trust left within the fanbase.
Which really brings us to the key question: would Lingard arrive in addition to proper investment elsewhere, or instead of it? That distinction matters — a lot.
A Window West Ham Simply Cannot Get Wrong
Personally, I believe West Ham are in serious trouble if this transfer window goes badly. There will be nowhere to hide for either Sullivan or Karren Brady if mistakes are made. A striker who can hit the ground running is an absolute necessity, and truthfully, I’m fairly indifferent on whether Lingard is that man.
However, to play devil’s advocate, Lingard is a match-winner — or at least he was. Whether that magic still exists at 33 is unknown, but right now only Jarrod Bowen, Callum Wilson and Tomas Soucek can be relied upon to deliver goals in key moments.
Crysencio Summerville is an important part of the team, offering balance and direct running — but a match-winner? Not a chance. I still expect Soucek and Wilson to chip in with crucial goals this season, and perhaps Lingard, used off the bench, could add something to that mix.
That said, there’s a big part of me that simply can’t see this deal actually happening.
The Case For — And Against — Lingard
As for the reasons why West Ham shouldn’t sign Lingard, I’ll leave those to the Claret & Hugh readers, who have been quick to share their views:
Paul:
“I didn’t think he’d be a good signing the first time, but he really was. It’s hard to imagine at 33 he’s going to add the pace and competitiveness we badly need though, is it?”
Tony:
“Anyone saying no to a deal with JL are probably the same people that were saying no about CW. He is now our second top goalscorer this season.”
Phil Baker:
“Dumpster diving again. Lingard has been dumped by a South Korean club and is 33 years old. His speed is gone, so he’d be another Ings, just draining wages for two years. Remember how he messed Moyes around before Forest and we panicked into signing Vlasic for £30m. No. No. No.”
Diggy:
“Josh Sargent, Adama Traoré and now this non-entity makes me wonder if the board have given up and are preparing for relegation. Have we lost all self-respect? If Sullivan thinks fans are angry now, wait until he signs any of these.”
And that, really, sums it up.
Lingard might divide opinion — but if West Ham don’t get this window right, the backlash will be unanimous.
Jesse Lingard on 6 month deal?
Yes
No
I’d take the ex Chelsea Brazilian defender though on a 6 month deal, we need a captain in the back half
Why can’t these egomaniac, clueless, narcissistic clowns we have running the club not realise that they’re utterly appalling at their jobs and no-one wants them here?
Why are they even at the club? What’s their goal? Is it to drain even more money to line their pockets? Or are they actually delusional enough to think that they’re good at their jobs and they’ll one day deliver us a “world-class team”?
Just sell-up and go, for crying out loud.
The first sentence sums it up nicely. They are just not adept at running a football club.
I can’t believe how someone as clueless as Sullivan has become a billionaire, and “brainy” Baroness Brady is portrayed as some incredible business guru.
Totally baffling.