Michail Antonio, Jesse Lingard
Credit: Imago
Edward Bazeley
Fri 28 March 2025 10:22, UK
Jesse Lingard enjoyed a successful loan spell with West Ham in the 2020/21 Premier League season as he notched nine goals and four assists in just 16 appearances.
However, the Hammers never agreed a permanent deal for the ex-England international who returned to then parent club, Manchester United ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.
But things did not go to plan for Lingard back at Old Trafford, and he joined Nottingham Forest on a free transfer in the summer of 2022.
Lingard encountered similar struggles at Forest, for whom he struggled to make an impact, and has been plying his trade for South Korean side FC Seoul since February 2024.
West Ham striker Michail Antonio
Lingard responded to MIchail Antonio’s emotional message (Credit: Imago)
Lingard responded to an emotional message written by Michail Antonio
West Ham striker Michail Antonio celebrated his 35th birthday on Friday and wrote on Instagram: “Since my 30th birthday I’ve woke up on my birthdays not really fussed about the day and I did the same thing this morning until the realisation hit me I actually almost didn’t make it to this birthday.
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“So I just want to thank god for saving me and allowing me to make it to another birthday.
“I also want to say happy birthday to everyone whose birthday it is today.
“Let’s live it up.”
Antonio’s message followed the car crash he endured in early December, and former West Ham teammate Lingard commented: “Happy birthday brother.”
West Ham have a key opportunity to get back to winning ways
The Hammers seemingly established an upward trajectory under Graham Potter when they enjoyed consecutive wins over Arsenal and Leicester last month.
But Potter and Co subsequently suffered a 1-0 defeat to Newcastle on Monday 10 March, and then played out a 1-1 draw at Everton ahead of the international break.
West Ham are next in action when they travel to Wolves on 1st April, and they will be keen to establish winning ways once more.
Wolves are in no real relegation danger as they sit nine points clear of 18th-place Ipswich, but they are just 17th in the table and have endured a thoroughly underwhelming campaign.
Going toe-to-toe with Vitor Pereira’s side next time out hands the Hammers a key opportunity to earn their third win in five attempts before they then face European chasers Bournemouth on Saturday 5 April.
After that, Potter’s men face the daunting prospect of a trip to league leaders Liverpool on Sunday 13 April.
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