- 17 hours ago
West Ham complete loan deal for Man Utd forward Jesse Lingard
West Ham United have completed the signing of Manchester United forward Jesse Lingard on loan for the remainder of the season.
The 28-year-old forward has struggled for game time in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s team this season, having made just three appearances in cup competitions and not a single minute of Premier League football.
As such, a deal in the January transfer window that would have allowed Lingard to get game time at another club seemed to be a priority for the player and club.
Lingard will now be hoping to do exactly that as he joins David Moyes’ West Ham side for the remainder of the season.
“I’m excited,” Lingard told West Ham TV. “It’s another new chapter in my life. Nothing is guaranteed but I’ve come here to work hard and help the team and bring my experience. That’s the main aim. I just want to enjoy my football and get back playing again and get my feet back on the pitch.
“There were lots of clubs involved but, for me personally, I felt this was the right move. I’ve obviously had a previous relationship with the manager as he was at Man Utd and I’ve played under him before, so he knows my qualities and what I can bring to the team. I know a couple of the players as well – I know Declan Rice very well from the England side – and I feel I can really settle in here quickly.”
Meanwhile, Lingard emphasised the role that David Moyes had in the deal.
“It’s important that a player and manager have a good relationship. He’s got really good morals, he gets his team working hard and I’ve had a chat with him already and there are no guarantees – it’s down to me to put the work in and put the graft in, to get into the team and play well week-in, week-out,” Lingard said
“I can’t wait to show [the West Ham fans] what I’ve got in store. I’m excited and I want to help the team push up the table as far as they can.”