Just when you thought the Jesse Lingard saga was over for good, speculation of a sensational return to West Ham has been reignited after he became a free agent.
- Hammers News exclusive
Believe it or not, it is now nearly five years since Jesse Lingard arrived at West Ham and lit up the Premier League during an unforgettable loan spell.
Lingard goes down as one of – if not the – best loan signings in West Ham history as he helped the Hammers to within a whisker of Champions League qualification.
The attacker scored nine goals, many of them straight out of the top drawer, and laid on four assists in 16 appearances as the Irons finished sixth with their record ever Premier League points total.
Lingard was fully expected to sign for West Ham in the summer after his magical loan spell but joined Nottingham Forest instead.
A second fling with JLingz for West Ham?
Five years on West Ham head into the January transfer window in desperate need of the next Lingard – but this time it is to help avoid relegation rather than qualify for Europe.
The Hammers are on the hunt for a new forward with £27m flop Niclas Fullkrug set to join AC Milan.
All 57 forwards signed by West Ham United since 2010!
Be honest – How many SUCCESSES can you find in this list?
Rather than looking for the next Lingard, though, West Ham are once again being linked with a second fling with JLingz himself.
Lingard has been playing in South Korea for FC Seoul since leaving Forest.
But the former Hammer announced he has “mutually agreed” to terminate his contract with FC Seoul and will be a free agent.
The 32-year-old made 66 appearances in Korea, scoring 18 goals.
“My time in South Korea has been unbelievable – the football, the atmosphere and the passion around this club have been top class,” Lingard wrote on Instagram.
“The love, support and the appreciation you have shown towards me for these last two years has been truly amazing.
“I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to play for such a massive club.”
FC Seoul said Lingard had “conveyed his desire to move on to the next stage of his football career”.
Reports have claimed that could mean a sensational return to West Ham.
West Ham clarify stance on Jesse Lingard deal
Claret and Hugh report that Lingard re-joining the Hammers is a possibility and that West Ham are the favourites to seal his signature.
Hammers News put the claims to the top spokesman for the club’s owners.
Jesse Lingard is West Ham’s BEST ever Premier League loanee! Discuss…
And would you take him back at 32?
Now West Ham have clarified their stance on a deal to re-sign Lingard after confirming agent talks.
A striker is West Ham’s top priority and main focus for the January transfer window.
Lingard may be an attacking midfielder by trade but often played as a forward during his loan at West Ham.
His availability on a free would also be attractive to the Hammers given the club has been insisting for the last year that funds are limited.
When discussing the Lingard claims, West Ham’s board spokesman has confirmed not one, not two but THREE different agents have offered the star to the Hammers.
Bringing Lingard back will undoubtedly divide opinion among Hammers fans.
Especially as he received abuse from some who accused him of chasing more money by joining Forest over West Ham.
Lingard revealed the real reason he joined Forest over West Ham, saying the Tricky Trees showed him ‘more love’ than the Hammers.
But while West Ham have been offered Lingard by multiple agents, the club has put to bed claims he will be returning to east London.
Hammers set record straight on Lingard return
“Lingard has been offered to us by three different agents,” the top spokesman for West Ham’s owners exclusively told Hammers News.
“But he is not for us at this time.”
So there you have it, Lingard won’t be coming back.
Whatever your stance on the player, it is probably the right call.
While he is younger than Fullkrug and Callum Wilson, Lingard is hardly a signing Nuno Espirito Santo can build the team around.
West Ham fans have bemoaned the club signing ageing players looking for one last pay day.
So supporters cannot moan if the club is looking to the longer term after signing young stars such as Mateus Fernandes, Soungoutou Magassa and El Hadji Malick Diouf.
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