ExWHUemployee has revealed that top West Ham United target Jesse Lingard could in fact move to MLS with DC United in order to reunite with his former teammate Wayne Rooney this summer.
The Hammers are looking to bolster their attacking midfield options this summer by pursuing former loanee star Lingard, who shone during his short stint at the east London club in the 2020/21 Premier League season.
However, Ex believes the club could face competition from an unlikely club in Major League Soccer side DC United, whose new manager Rooney is looking to bring the player across the pond this summer.
Ex said on The Transfer Show podcast: “Wayne Rooney has been appointed head coach of DC United.
“Apparently, he’s now going to be looking at signing both Ravel Morrison – who obviously he had with him at Derby and played with Manchester United – and Jesse Lingard.
“Going to put in an offer for him as well, so try and unite those two who were mates in Manchester United’s academy together and bring them to MLS.”
TIF Thoughts on Ex’s comments…
While linking up with his former teammate would sound like an appealing opportunity, moving to a club in the United States when Lingard is obviously capable of contributing for a good Premier League side would be a huge step back for the 29-year-old.
The American top flight has often been labelled as a retirement home for great players including the likes of David Beckham, Andrea Pirlo, Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard, who all played in the league over the age of 30. Lingard is yet to reach this age and has proved that he could still play an important role for a club like West Ham, who have European football next season.
While Lingard, who has been labelled as ‘outstanding’, hardly featured for Manchester United last season, only appearing 21 times across all competitions with two goals and one assist, he did manage to rank in the 99th percentile for pressures per game with 26.35 and the 97th for pass completion with 85.8% compared to other attacking midfielders across the top five leagues.
Lingard would therefore almost certainly become one of the most talented players in MLS if he was to move there, however, at this point in his career, we feel he still has a lot to offer and moving to America would be a huge step back for him.
Will West Ham miss out on Lingard?Yes
No
|