David Moyes has admitted he thought Jesse Lingard would choose to join West Ham this summer after leaving Manchester United.
Lingard opted to join Nottingham Forest as a free agent following the expiry of his contract at Old Trafford.
He enjoyed a fruitful spell on loan with the Hammers in the second half of the 2020/21 campaign.
The 29-year-old established a tremendous rapport with his ex-teammates, manager and fans during his time in east London.
Lingard scored nine and provided five assists in 16 games for the Irons as he helped them qualify for the Europa League.
Moyes tried to bring the England midfielder back to the London Stadium last summer but the player was eager to stay at United and fight for his place.
He was linked with a loan move to West Ham and Newcastle in the January window, but the Red Devils would not sanction his departure with only six months left on his contract.
After 231 appearances for United, Lingard left and became a free agent at the end of last season.
The attacking midfielder was linked with a host of clubs and reportedly had offers from the Middle East and MLS before opting to join Nottingham Forest.
Lingard made his debut for the Reds on Saturday as the club returned to the Premier League after a 23-year hiatus from the top flight.
And speaking this week, West Ham boss Moyes has revealed his thoughts on Lingard’s transfer decision.
When questioned on the subject, the Scottish manager admitted he was “surprised” the 29-year-old snubbed a move to the Hammers.
“I was surprised, yeah,” Moyes said (quotes via HITC). “I thought Jesse in the end would come here, and I’ve got to say the club made him a really good offer.
“You couldn’t turn around and say David Sullivan and the owners didn’t do everything they could to get him. They certainly did.”
West Ham take on Manchester City in their Premier League opener on Sunday.
This was the Hammers’ last home match of the 2021/22 campaign and City’s final away game. It finished 2-2 and was a very entertaining game.
Jarrod Bowen scored a brace that day and has been linked with a move away following a tremendous season.
Arsenal have been linked with the former Hull City winger and could be in the market for a new wide-man after failing to sign Raphinha from Leeds United.
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