Hate to say we told you so but here comes the Jesse Lingard West Ham return talk as factors combine for the perfect storm.
Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the transfer market the Jesse Lingard saga is back for West Ham fans.
Don’t say we didn’t warn you either.
There are three certainties in the life of a West Ham fan – death, taxes and your club being linked with Lingard in every transfer window.
The January transfer window opens in a matter of days and the top source inside West Ham has told Hammers News on multiple occasions that the Hammers plan to be active.
But several factors are in play.
Hate to say we told you so but…
Fringe players must be sold to free up space in the squad and satisfy FFP rules over wages-to-turnover.
West Ham also have the big issue of AFCON. The tournament will rob David Moyes of Ghana star Mohammed Kudus and Morocco defender Nayef Aguerd for as many as six games between January and February.
It could also potentially see both Said Benrahma and Maxwel Cornet gone between now and February if selected by Algeria and Ivory Coast respectively.
Another issue West Ham have is meeting their homegrown player quota.
And as reported yesterday, Tim Steidten and David Moyes are said to be targeting players who meet that criteria in January – ie players registered to FA affiliated clubs for three years before their 21st birthday.
Here comes the Lingard West Ham return talk
With all those elements factored in, we warned 10 days ago that it was completely inevitable that West Ham would be linked once again with Lingard.
Well we hate to say we told you so but here comes the Lingard West Ham return talk.
Like clockwork the Hammers are once again being linked with Lingard just when fans thought the saga was finally over.
Foot Mercato journalist Sebastien Denis is claiming that West Ham are lining up yet another move for the 32-capped England international.
In an “exclusive” Denis says: “Free since last summer, Jesse Lingard is looking for a new club.
“The former star of MU, who is considered extra-community (non French) with Brexit, has been offered to several Ligue 1 clubs including LOSC… interested but already full in extracomm players.
“West Ham still thinks of him, as do several MLS clubs.”
So there you have it West Ham fans. Inevitable as predicted after his stint training with the club again back in the summer where he was expected to sign a short-term deal at the London Stadium.
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