West Ham coach calls failed Jesse Lingard capture a ‘massive disappointment’, although move still on

West Ham coach Stuart Pearce has been speaking about a potential move for Jesse Lingard, whom the club failed to sign permanently in 2021.

The attacking midfielder spent the second half of the 2020-21 campaign on loan at West Ham from Manchester United. He had a huge impact, bagging nine goals and five assists in 16 matches. That impressive form helped the Irons finish sixth in the Premier League.

David Moyes’ side were keen to sign Lingard permanently after that temporary spell.

However, United oped to keep the Englishman at Old Trafford. They told the player he would get more opportunities the following season.

That didn’t happen though, and Lingard spent large parts of last term on the bench. He did make 21 appearances in all competitions, although none of these lasted a full 90 minutes.

Lingard is now a free agent and can choose his next destination without having to worry about bids coming in.

According to a recent report, Lingard has chosen to go back to the London Stadium.

However, the transfer is yet to be finalised and West Ham face competition from Everton, and two MLS clubs, for his signature.

Stuart Pearce makes Jesse Lingard admission

During an appearance on talkSPORT, Pearce fielded questions about signing Lingard this summer and how the side felt when his move fell through last year.

“I’m not sure whether it’s totally done or not,” Pearce said. “We might have had the best six months out of Jesse Lingard that he’s ever going to have in football, again or beforehand.

“He was magnificent for us, he gave us a slightly different dimension, his football was outstanding. He’s got a footballing arrogance, Jesse.

“He’ll take the ball anywhere on the pitch and it was a massive disappointment that Jesse didn’t come and join us permanently in the summer on the back of that.”

It would be great to see Lingard reunite with Moyes ahead of next season. He had a fantastic time in east London and looked happy again – something which rarely occurred during his last few years at United.

However, MLS teams will be able to offer the 29-year-old a handsome financial package. So West Ham need to get their act together if they want him in their squad.

Meanwhile, Moyes has been speaking about West Ham’s pursuit of Kalvin Phillips, who went on to join Manchester City instead.