Jesse Lingard, the former Manchester United and England midfielder, has finalized his move to FC Seoul in South Korea.
Lingard had been without a club since the expiration of his contract with Nottingham Forest at the conclusion of the previous season. The 31-year-old has reportedly signed a two-year contract with FC Seoul, with the option to extend for another year.
Expressing his excitement for the new challenge, Lingard mentioned receiving several offers but ultimately decided on South Korea for a fresh footballing experience.
“I’ve always sought a different challenge and the chance to create new memories in my career,” Lingard expressed in a YouTube video. “I believe South Korea offers the perfect opportunity for that.”
Hailing from Warrington, Lingard rose through the ranks of Manchester United’s youth system, making his first-team debut under Louis van Gaal in August 2014.
During his time at United, Lingard made 232 appearances and scored 35 goals, contributing significantly to the club’s triumphs in the FA Cup, League Cup, and Europa League.
After his contract with Manchester United expired, Lingard joined Nottingham Forest on a one-year deal in July 2022, where he made 20 appearances before his release.
The allure of FC Seoul was bolstered by their proactive approach in pursuing Lingard prior to the transfer becoming public knowledge on the deadline day in England.
“FC Seoul exhibited remarkable determination, presenting me with a concrete offer while other clubs engaged me verbally,” Lingard revealed during a news conference. “They even traveled to Manchester to assess my physical condition.”
While there were reports of Lingard’s interest in expanding his off-field ventures in esports, fashion, and restaurant businesses in Korea, he emphasized that his primary focus remains on his footballing career.
“I will prioritize football; my personal ventures are separate from my footballing pursuits. Football remains my utmost priority,” he affirmed.
Lingard, who had loan spells with Leicester, Birmingham, Brighton, Derby, and West Ham during his career, earned his last of 32 England caps in a 5-0 victory over Andorra in October 2021.
Report by BBC.
