According to reports, West Ham United are edging closer to the resigning of former Manchester United forward Jesse Lingard, who was released from Old Trafford on a free transfer earlier in the summer.
Bookies have been quick to react to this, slashing their odds of him returning to the capital from 6/4 to an odds-on price of 4/7. So, you may want to get on-board with this bet now before the odds shorten further, while using this crypto bonus code with stake bet to access a 200% deposit bonus in the process.
But will Lingard really return to East London, and what can fans expect if he joins the Hammers once again?
Will Lingard Rekindle his Love Affair with the Hammers?
The 29-year-old forward should have plenty of suitors in the EPL and overseas, with big-spending Newcastle United, Everton and Roma all interested in the former England international.
Roma would be an interesting destination for Lingard, but we should remember that the club is managed by Jose Mourinho, who was in charge at Old Trafford when the forward displayed his best form for club and country.
However, odds of 4/7 suggest that West Ham are at the front of the queue at present, thanks largely to their former relationship with Lingard and the staggering form he showcased during a loan spell in the second half of the 2020/21 campaign.
During this golden period, Lingard scored nine goals and delivered five assists in just 16 appearances, as the Hammers went valiantly close to securing Champions League football.
Lingard also won the Premier League Player of the Month in April 2021 as a reward for his form, while that month also saw him claim the Premier League Goal of the Month for a superb solo strike against Wolves.
What Will Lingard Bring to West Ham?
Given Lingard’s form during his loan spell and desire to prove a point after being released, it makes sense that David Moyes should want to sign him and build on last season’s seventh place finish.
What’s more, Lingard’s attributes are tailormade for Moyes’ philosophy and the Hammer’s counter attacking style of play, particularly when you consider the forward’s pace and dribbling ability.
Lingard is also renowned for his athleticism and movement off the ball, with his intelligent runs creating space for others and likely to help players like Jarrod Bowen prosper even more.
Lingard also retains a keen eye for goal, with his ability to score and create chances for others crucial for a side that wants to challenge in the upper echelons of the Premier League.
Above all else, Lingard boasts excellent work-rate and has an innate ability to counter press, perhaps creating an opportunity for West Ham to press a little higher and dominate lesser sides when they visit the London Stadium.
These points all suggest that Lingard would once again be a huge hit at West Ham, provided that the Hammers can get a deal over the line!
