Former Premier League striker Les Ferdinand has admitted his ‘surprise’ that West Ham haven’t gone all out in an attempt to sign Jesse Lingard this summer.
The 28-year-old attacking midfielder has returned to parent club Manchester United following a remarkable loan spell in east London last season.
Despite Irons’ boss David Moyes confirming the club would attempt to make the deal a permanent one, nothing has materialised as the transfer window enters its final fortnight.
Speaking to Premier League Productions (15/08/21 at 1:20 pm, Ferdinand exclaimed that he believed that the Hammers would’ve signed the England man before now.
I am surprised they haven’t gone in for him. I thought they would break the bank for him. But there’s not a lot of clubs that have done a lot of business. I think this pandemic has hit a lot of people hard. I think come the last two weeks of this August month, we will see a lot of clubs go to business. I think these first few games, they will look and assess their sides. Then it will allow them to see what they really need. Then they will have a panic-up.
Lingard’s arrival helped drive Moyes’ side to a sixth-place Premier League finish and with it secure qualification for the UEFA Europa League.
The 29-cap ace was sensational for the Hammers and looked to be a sure-fire target as the summer transfer window opened.
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There is little doubting that the lack of arrivals at the London Stadium remains a cause for concern amongst the fans.
Not only the non-signing of Lingard but moreover the lack of defensive and striking reinforcements have left the squad short on key numbers.
Despite all that, Moyes masterminded a 4-2 opening day victory over Newcastle United on Sunday.
When Thursday night European football takes hold, the squad will be tested to the limit – hopefully with Lingard and others in situ.
