Manchester United have confirmed that Jesse Lingard will leave the club this summer when his contract expires. And his Old Trafford departure may lead to a Premier League transfer battle, with West Ham, Newcastle and Tottenham all reportedly interested by signing him.
Lingard initially joined the Red Devils at under-nine level in 2001. And following his first-team breakthrough under Louis van Gaal in 2014, the winger went on to make 232 appearances for the club.
He was a part of Van Gaal’s FA Cup-winning team in 2016, before tasting League Cup and Europa League success under Jose Mourinho the next season. The ace struggled for gametime towards the tip of his United profession, nonetheless, as he began just three Premier League matches during his final campaign in Manchester. And his two-decade association with the Red Devils is now set to return to an end.
“We’d prefer to take this chance to thank Jesse for the entire memories he’s helped create during his twenty years here and need him the perfect of luck in his future profession,” United wrote in an announcement as they announced his departure on Tuesday afternoon.
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Lingard’s exit could prove to be a blessing in disguise as he’ll now be a person in demand. The 29-year-old enjoyed a successful loan spell with West Ham in the course of the second half of the 2020/21 season as he racked-up nine goals and five assists in 16 appearances.
The Hammers attempted to entice Lingard to the London Stadium permanently last summer following his impressive performances, before he ultimately decided to remain at Old Trafford and fight for a beginning. However the east London giants could now seize their opportunity to finally sign the player ahead of next season.
Like West Ham, Newcastle have also been linked with the player since their takeover by a mega-rich Saudi-led consortium last autumn. And Magpies boss Eddie Howe would surely like to welcome the attacker to St James’ Park.
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Newcastle made huge improvements following their takeover and were one among the shape teams within the Premier League in the course of the second half of the last campaign. And Lingard would likely be well rewarded financially if he did resolve to maneuver to the north east.
Meanwhile, Tottenham are one other club who could wrestle for Lingard’s signature in an effort to bolster their attacking options. And Spurs boss Antonio Conte would also have the opportunity to supply the player the added incentive of playing Champions League football, unlike Newcastle and West Ham.
Lingard would likely need to accept a spot on the bench in a variety of games if he were to maneuver to north London, nonetheless. And after enduring a string of frustrating seasons at Old Trafford resulting from a paucity of gametime, the England international could resolve he desires to play for a manager who will make him a daily starter. So he might be faced with an enormous decision over where to play his football next season.
