Jesse Lingard has been reborn during his ongoing loan spell at West Ham United, having joined from Manchester United in January.
The 28-year-old has been a revelation for the Hammers’ surprising bid for a Champions League spot. The Englishman has scored six goals and made three assists in just eight appearances, earning him a recent England call-up for the first time in two years.
David Moyes has been superb with Lingard and has clearly reignited his love for the game. Lingard had only played 179 minutes of competitive football under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United – all appearances were made in the FA Cup or Carabao Cup – making his current form even more impressive.
West Ham paid a £1.5million loan fee, are covering his £100,000 p/w wage and will have to pay Manchester United £500,000 if they qualify for Europe (this appears more likely as we edge towards the end of the season). In total, West Ham are paying around £4m for a short loan spell which Manchester United view as a profitable gain. But this has also benefitted West Ham who, on form, have one of the best players in the league.
Recent talks of Lingard being used in a swap deal for Declan Rice have been heightened and, although losing their best player would be a big blow for the Hammers, seeing Lingard permanently sign would soften the blow (alongside the £70m or so extra).
However, if he continues his dazzling displays, he may keep his place when returning to his home club. Valued at £20-30m, Manchester United could decide to keep their player, who has been at the club ever since he joined their academy aged seven and who remains a poster boy for their current crop of youngsters.
In fact, Lingard has got more goals than Anthony Martial and summer signing Donny van de Beek, which will lead to inquiries being made within the club as to whether to cash-in or keep him.
Moyes has made a huge impact on Lingard, in the two-and-a-half months he’s been at the club, giving him the confidence to express himself again and using his versatility. Playing as a No10, false-nine or on either flank, he has helped fire West Ham in and around the top-four places.
Monday night’s 3-2 victory over Wolves meant the Hammers leapfrogged Chelsea to go into the Champions League places, with just eight games remaining. The London Stadium could realistically be hosting European giants next season.
Lingard has been influential since his West Ham debut, scoring two in a 3-1 win away to Aston Villa, and has continued to shine. His side has now picked up 13 out of 15 points when he has scored.
Their recent game against Wolves was another example of the flair and creativity he provides for this in-form London side. Picking up the ball well in his own half, Lingard danced around numerous Wolves players and drove for 52 metres – the furthest a player has travelled and scored this season – before calmly slotting the ball past Rui Patricio.
With the European Championship on the horizon, Lingard has gained the attention of England manager Gareth Southgate. With Jack Grealish out for another ‘few weeks’ and James Maddison still coming back to full fitness, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him included in England’s summer plans. Southgate’s loyalty to the 2018 World Cup squad is evident by regularly picking Kieran Trippier and, remember, Lingard played an important role in that World Cup squad so could make the 23-man summer party.
Yes, Lingard may be low in many people’s pecking order, but the mere fact that discussions are being held about him just shows how impressive his rejuvenation has been.
From being known more for his celebrations and Instagram stories, to battling through tough personal problems recently, Lingard’s dedication and newfound form is a joy to watch and a testament to his character and Moyes’ man-management ability.
