Dean Henderson has joked he was the man behind Jesse Lingard’s record-breaking Nottingham Forest transfer.
Lingard completed his stunning move to the City Ground on Thursday, becoming the club’s highest-paid player in their illustrious history. The former Manchester United star has signed a one-year contract with Steve Cooper’s side, bringing in £80,000-per-week.
His decision to join Forest came somewhat out of left field, with the expectation being he would return to West Ham. The England international spent the second half of the 2020/21 season at the London Stadium - enjoying a career revitalising spell under David Moyes.
There was a belief he would make that move permanent 12 months ago, only to be persuaded to stay at Old Trafford by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The former Red Devils boss had assured Lingard that following on from his time in the capital, he would be given a more prominent role at his boyhood club.
That didn’t materialise however, with the 29-year-old making just 22 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice. His contract expired at United at the start of this summer, with both parties coming to a mutual agreement it wouldn’t be extended.
That allowed Lingard to have complete control over his next club as he looks to force his way back into Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions squad for this winter’s World Cup.
The Hammers had been the frontrunners to sign the free agent, only for Forest to get a deal done, bringing him for their first season in the Premier League since 1999. “Ready for my new chapter. Let’s go babyyyy,” he posted on social media.
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And Henderson, who also swapped the red of United for the Garibaldi of Forest this summer, branded himself “agent Henderson” after his old team-mate joined him on the banks of the Trent. Like Lingard, the goalkeeper links up with Cooper with the hope that regular football could yet earn him a place on the plane to Qatar later this year.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be joining such a fantastic club with an amazing set of fans and a wonderful history,” Henderson said after signing.
“I want to thank the manager and owners at Nottingham Forest for the great opportunity to play for this club in their first season back in the Premier League. I’m really excited to work with everyone at the club from the manager, players and goalkeeper coach Danny Alcock.
“Finally, just a massive thank you to the fans for the welcome I have received and I can’t wait to celebrate some brilliant moments together this coming season."
Henderson has already made his Forest debut, but sparked concern when he was substituted in the first half of their pre-season friendly with Barnsley. Cooper has played down any niggling fears, suggesting he should be fine for the big kick-off next month.
“It was a precaution,” said Cooper. “It’s been a really heavy week physically, including for the goalkeepers. He’s not injured, he’s fine. He just felt his groin a little bit. He did the right thing by coming off."
