West Ham United ‘dodged a bullet’ when they saw Jesse Lingard join Nottingham Forest instead of heading to the London Stadium during the summer, according to journalist Paul Brown. Although Lingard spent the second half of the 2020/21 season on loan with the Hammers from Manchester United, he opted against sealing a return to the capital.
A number of clubs were in the hunt to sign Lingard after his Manchester United contract expired during the summer. Although West Ham were among his suitors, having chalked up 14 goal contributions during his temporary stint, the creative midfielder rejected the move and opted to join Nottingham Forest.
It is understood that Lingard penned a contract worth £120,000-per-week at the City Ground, but he has failed to rediscover the form he showed during his time in east London.
The 29-year-old is still searching for his first goal or assist in his new surroundings and has found himself on the bench on some occasions.