West Ham are in much different circumstances from the last time forward Jesse Lingard joined the squad on loan from Manchester United in January of 2021. By the time he suited up for West Ham, former manager David Moyes had his team rolling and in secure control of 5th place in the league standings. Lingard's prolific loan spell led to a 6th-place finish and a trip to the Europa League tournament. It was his run of 9 goals in 16 matches plus 4 assists that wowed the fanbase and instantly became a player Moyes became infatuated with.
That was 4 years ago.
The former England national has become the subject of intense speculation today as reports emerge linking him with a potential return to East London. Only this time, he'd be coming in to save the Hammers from what seems like certain relegation. The 33-year-old is a free agent following the mutual termination of his contract with South Korean side FC Seoul earlier this month, and reliable sources indicate that the Hammers are in pole position to bring back one of their most memorable loan stars.
West Ham have flirted with Lingard before. In the summer of 2021, Moyestried to bring him back, but he told the former manager that he wanted to stay in Manchester and compete for a place in the team. Lingard chose wrong and for an entire season, never got on the pitch consistently for the Red Devils. As a free transfer in the summer of 2022, again Lingard flirted with West Ham and used the team to leverage a one-year deal with Nottingham Forest, who guaranteed a base salary of £115,000 with the ability to reach £200,000 through bonuses. Lingard fell out of favor with former Forest manager Steve Cooper and he could never stay on the pitch consistently. In the summer of 2023, after a regrettable season at Forest, Lingard was available once again on a free transfer. This time, not only did Lingard flirt with West Ham, he actually came in and trained with the team. After spurning Moyes and owner David Sullivan's overtures, Lingard left camp and began training with Al-Ettifaq of the Saudi Pro League and manager Steven Gerrard. Lingard would eventually sign with FC Seoul in South Korea.
So why does West Ham keep flirting with Lingard after being rejected so many times? Probably because Lingard's time at West Ham during the second half of the 2020/21 season remains etched in club folklore. Since then, the fanbase has fantasized about a repeat performance, but he's 4 years older and hasn't faced competition at the level of the Premier League in 3 years. In total, Lingard scored 19 goals and 10 assists in 66 matches for FC Seoul, which may lead fans to believe he can still achieve similar results.
It would be hard to believe Lingard could replicate the kind of impact that he made in 2021, but is it worth the free transfer? Sullivan gambled on Callum Wilson and so far it's paid dividends. What if this is all smoke and mirrors by Lingard? What if he's just flirting to leverage yet another better deal somewhere else? The fanbase and the board shouldn't forget getting rejected 3 different times.
A striker remains West Ham's top priority this January, but Lingard's versatility – capable of playing as an attacking midfielder, winger, or even false nine – could offer valuable flexibility. With his Premier League pedigree and proven track record in claret and blue, a return would undoubtedly generate excitement.
As of now, no deal has been confirmed, and negotiations are ongoing. Could Lingard don the West Ham shirt once more? Hammers fans will be watching closely as the transfer window approaches. If it happens, it would be one of the most nostalgic signings of recent years.