In this article we look at the signing of Jesse Lingard by Nottingham Forest, one that on paper looks slightly bizarre.
It was in my opinion telling that he had a good loan spell with West Ham, made a lot of the ‘right’ noises on social media but was pretty content to stay at Man United and play very minimal games last season.
It also seems significant that West Ham did want him for 12 months, offered a significant chunk of change to get his services but Notts Forest offered more and he wen’t to a newly promoted team rather than an established team which is pushing for European football every season.
That for me says it all – motivated solely by money, more than likely. Can’t blame him for that but I think West Ham may have dodged a bullet, invest those big wages into existing players or new signings such as maybe Kostic.
Lets look at pros and cons. In our opinion
Pros
Its a free transfer, no big big transfer fee to shell out. Only wages – we will get to that
He has Premier league experience
He was/is an England internationalist.
Cons
This might be harsh but he always strikes me as a ‘social media’ player, all about image, goal celebrations and social media interactions.A modern day celebrity footballer – all the rage at Man United
He was a very good player but has the lack of football time caused an issue with his ability and hunger. Does he have the same desire – how will he cope with playing at a club which will more than likely be near the bottom. Does he have the drive, passion and grit. Not sure about that one.
Does the hefty salary break the wage structure at Forest, what about existing players, what about new signings. This has happened before when a newly promoted team spent big money on wages and broke the dressing room. Carbone at Bradford. It is estimated he is on £130,000 a week
Will he make the contribution to keep Forest up – get enough goals, create enough chances. Again this is one that I greatly doubt
Summary
Will he make the difference, I doubt it. Is it a gamble, in my opinion it is, not for the player but for the club. Yes, he is only supposed to have signed a 1 year deal but once that wage structure is gone, that may be it
