Jesse Lingard trial cost West Ham 'thousands' in travel and hotel fees ahead of Saudi Pro League switch

West Ham are said to have paid out thousands in fees while Jesse Lingard was on trial at the club.

Lingard has been a free agent since leaving Nottingham Forest at the end of the 2022/23 campaign and recently went back to the Hammers on trial.

While on loan at West Ham under David Moyes, Lingard scored nine goals and registered five assists in 16 appearances and managed to earn a recall to Gareth Southgate's England squad as a result of his form.

The former Manchester United midfielder did not sign permanently with West Ham and instead penned a one-year deal with Forest, where he made 20 appearances.

He returned on trial recently and there was talk of a contract being on the table. However, Lingard has since jetted out to Saudi Arabia for a one month trial with Steven Gerrard's Al Ettifaq in a bid to earn a deal.

Asked about Moyes, Lingard said: “No disappointment at all.

“I'm quite comfortable and more than relaxed with it. We like Jesse a lot but I just don't know if we need another player in his position.”

Image: Getty

Lingard was back at West Ham for around six weeks and the Daily Mail say that the club paid thousands of pounds in expenses to have him on trial.

With Lingard being based up north, the Conference League winners put him up in a hotel for the duration of his stay.

In addition, they also covered the costs of his travel. Lingard was unable to drive as he is currently serving a six-month ban

following his Range Rover being flashed by a speed camera on the A56 in Trafford back in August 2022.

Image: Getty

His failure to name the driver and subsequently guilty plea meant he was forced to pay a fine of £900 - as well as an additional £565 in court costs.

Two previous speeding incidents resulted in points on his licence. Lingard's lawyer claiming he missed the letter from the authorities as it was sent to his old address in Altrincham.