It’s understandable that many believe Jesse Lingard’s performances are pricing him out of West Ham’s range as a permanent signing.
Phenomenal is not a word to use lightly but there have been times since he arrived when he has performed in a way to make it impossible to use any other.
His first half display last night was nothing short of that and the goal was a thing of pure beauty.
And let’s not forget the part played in it by Vladi Coufal with some remarkable tight defensive play before releasing that glorious pass.
Manchester United are reported to want £20 million but there are many who reckon the price may have doubled since he turned it on with us.
But what United want and what they get is quite another thing in this market when – as an example – they were offered three Juve players as a bid for £90 million Paul Pogba.
We have to realise the cash of the past has totally left the game at this stage.
Also there is more than one reason for Jesse’s success with us. Yes, he had much to prove before agreeing the move but he decided to join the manager with whom he has a special relationship and who knows how to bring the very best from him.
That may not have happened at Leicester or Newcastle who were also in the frame to loan him.
The way he is playing his football – with a huge smile on his face – also says much. He will have the final say on where he goes and his current mood seems to show that’s gonna be West Ham.
A return to Manchester United – even with a proposed possible new contract offer -will not be a good idea at this stage of his career.
He was ignored and forgotten before and although he may get more games up there than previously the reality is that he is a total star with us. That will be a huge draw.
Negotiations will be difficult but, on balance from what we have seen and know right now, West Ham looks to be Jesse Lingard’s next permanent stop.
Another factor I think in Lingard joining I think would depend on Declan Rice being at the club.
On the face of performances he is worth top dollar and that’s a worry. Our best hope may be the reason he came in the first place – he was earning a wedge at ManU but wanted to play. Hope that drive pushes him our way and we can afford him.
I think Man Utd are looking at Van de Beek and Rashford and thinking ‘Maybe sending them to West Ham next season might give them a boost’……
Champions League football would play a factor too as is his staying in the England squad. Might get a bit part at ManU in the first, no chance in the second
Also, if a deal can’t be agreed, he goes back to Man U till Christmas and then his value will have to go down as only six months remain on his deal, and he comes to us then at a sensible price or he leaves on a free in the summer
Problem with that scenario is we can’t gamble on that so would have to sign a replacement in the summer and by the time Christmas comes around we’d have no need for him.
I’m hoping he’s enjoyed his time with us and would value being at a side where he’s the first name on the team sheet (along with Declan) and the team is built around him. Champions League – or Europa as an absolute minimum would certainly help.
The sort of numbers he’s getting in terms of goals and assists we’ve not seen since Payet was here.
Someone should get petition going to let him know just how much we appreciate him.Oh, and get the other players on board too.