Former Premier League defender turned Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has said that he ‘can’t believe’ that Jesse Lingard chose Nottingham Forest over West Ham United this summer.
Forest beat off competition from the Hammers, as well as other Premier League clubs to complete the signing of Lingard on a free transfer this summer. The former Manchester United man has put pen to paper on a one-year deal with an option for a second.
Lingard spent a successful six months on loan at West Ham at the end of the 2020/21 season, with the Hammers tipped as favourites to complete the transfer all summer. But the player opted to join Forest instead, with Carragher suggesting that he made the decision due to financial reasons.
READ MORE: Nottingham Forest transfer blow as Premier League rival ‘agree deal’ for target
READ MORE: Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper expects more deals as he provides transfer update
"He [Jesse Lingard] went there [Nottingham Forest] for the money. I love Nottingham Forest, that they are back,” said Carragher, speaking on the Overlap, in partnership with Sky Bet .
“If any footballer is picking Nottingham Forest right now, before West Ham and what they’ve done in the last two or three years, they’ve obviously gone there for a few quid. And, the fact that he’s only signed for a year means that next year on a free or Bosman [ruling]. There’s a good chance Forest could go down, but it puts Jesse Lingard in a good position if he gets eight to ten goals for them.
“But, if West Ham want you right now, I can’t believe he never went to West Ham. It’s brilliant for Nottingham Forest.”
It’s not the first time that the suggestion has been made since the Lingard transfer was confirmed. But that argument has been disputed, with it reported that the player was actually offered less money at Forest than he was at West Ham.
It is said that Lingard’s move to the City Ground was never about the money but was instead about the club’s determination to sign him. The midfielder was also impressed with how he fit into the style of play under manager Steve Cooper.
To access exclusive, unseen content from the Overlap Fan Debate, please visit Sky Bet’s Start of Season Hub
What are your thoughts on Carragher's comments? Tell us in the comments section
READ NEXT:
