Nottingham Forest welcomed their 11th summer arrival when they announced the signing of Jesse Lingard on Thursday. The attacker will ply his trade at the City Grounds for the next season after signing a one-year contract with the newly-promoted club.
One has to admit, this did come as a bit of a surprise, hearing the announcement of Nottingham Forest agreeing to a deal with Jesse Lingard for the season ahead. Of the 11 newcomers, this transfer has to be monitored closely throughout the Premier League campaign as it can go down as one of the best free transfers this summer or over the last decade or so.
The above statement is purely taken from the impact the Englishman had during his six-month loan spell with West Ham United back in the 2020/21 season.
Many would agree and little would disagree: despite spending only six months at a “mid-table” team, he managed to help them and manager David Moyes become a regular top-six/top-eight club, always playing for European spots.
Jesse Lingard’s Record Deal With Nottingham Forest
Besides him only signing on for a season-long permanent deal, Lingard becomes the club’s best earner in their history. He will receive £115k per week and is now certainly a guaranteed starter in Steve Cooper’s side.
He was linked with a return to West Ham or a possible move to Newcastle United; he was even linked with a move far across the sea to the USA with a team in the MLS, namely DC United.
"Sky Sports News has been told Jesse Lingard becomes Forest’s highest earner, with his deal thought to be worth £115,000 per week plus incentives; Lingard had the chance to join West Ham after the Hammers made what they felt was a fair and competitive offer for the forward.(Via: skysports.com)"
Good luck, Jesse! 👊
— England (@England) July 21, 2022
What to Expect From Jess Lingard?
So what can be expected from the Manchester United youth product now at 29 years old? Hopefully, more of his displays as a Hammer and some of the early footballing we witnessed when he burst onto the scene at Old Trafford.
He is explosive, direct and packs a punch. He can score from outside the box and link up well with the players around him. He is Premier League experienced and has competed at the highest level in Europe. If Cooper and the team can replicate or improve on their promotional season, they should be good for the journey they are about to embark on.
Lingard’s 29 goals and 13 assists in 165 Premier League games is not a bad return for a player that was mostly overlooked in the latter parts of his United career.
However, it’s safe to say there wasn’t a great reception from the Forest fans on social media, well some of them, at least.
Here Are How Nottingham Forest Received Their New Boy
@molly3604 is certainly not happy that the club believes they have signed the English “Messi”. But @teilo007 reacted in the best way possible:
"In a team that was Championship level last season yes he is our Messi!via: @teilo007"
It doesn’t end there though with @molly3604 banter going in “one direction”
"really! is he joining forrest or one direction??? he is a luxury player for your lot. if he can’t shine in a team going for top 4 what chance will he have to shine at no offence a team who’s main aim is to stay in the lge. ps: i really hope you do."
But a true Tricky Tree came back strong to defend his club’s latest addition
"Messi and peak Ronaldo then.via: @teilo007"
Some More Reactions
"Absolute genius business from Forest. Around £10m for the year for someone who can be a world class player. Or buy somone like MGW for 30m up front? We’ve absolutely rocked the boat in the prem and seasons not even kicked off yet. Love it, love you , you reds.via: @Billend08"
"I thought I was dreaming we have made incredible signings such taiwo deano Henderson niakhate Williams and my boy Jesse and many more and we are in the premier league wahoooovia: @TommymanNFFC"
"Trust me, I’m gonna sleep great tonight. Thanks Adminvia: @NFFC_Woodz"
Hammer Fans Are Surely Upset About the Snub
"You had your chance, you’re not welcome back.via: @_WestHamReport"
"Supporting Scotland from nowvia: @TransferWestHam"
"He’ll never make the England squad, not a hope in hellvia: @Antiguamann"
"Is he representing his country at Tik Tok now?!?via: @leeroy_acko1"
These are the types of transfers that create great anticipation for the Premier League season ahead. Because of him snubbing both Newcastle and West Ham, their direct encounters have become a lot more interesting.