Former Manchester United and England midfielder Jesse Lingard has officially left FC Seoul, with the South Korean club confirming the mutual termination of his contract.
A Surprising Move Comes to an End
The club stated that the 32-year-old had "conveyed his desire to move on to the next stage of his football career", prompting the agreement to part ways. Lingard's move to the K League in February 2024 was a major surprise, marking a bold new chapter after his departure from the Premier League.
During his two-year stint in Seoul, Lingard made a significant impact, featuring in 66 appearances and scoring 18 goals. His final match for the club was in the AFC Champions League against Melbourne City on Wednesday. His time in South Korea had a turbulent beginning, with public criticism from his manager, but he later earned the captain's armband, finishing his tenure on a high note.
Lingard's Legacy and Tributes
FC Seoul paid a glowing tribute to the player, acknowledging he was the biggest name to have played in the country's league. The club said he "generated an extraordinary level of public attention and emerged as a symbolic figure" during his stay.
Lingard himself took to Instagram to express his gratitude, writing: "My time in South Korea has been unbelievable - the football, the atmosphere and the passion around this club have been top class. The love, support and the appreciation you have shown towards me for these last two years has been truly amazing. I'll always be grateful for the opportunity to play for such a massive club."
What's Next for the Former United Star?
The player's next destination remains unconfirmed. His last club in England was Nottingham Forest, where his high-profile move following their promotion failed to deliver on expectations. His most successful recent spell was a loan at West Ham United, after which he became a peripheral figure at Manchester United.
Lingard, who scored the winning goal in the 2016 FA Cup final, has not played for the England national team since 2021. He spent months as a free agent before his move to Asia. His off-field business ventures, including a clothing brand, have sometimes drawn criticism, with pundits like Roy Keane suggesting players should focus solely on football during their careers.
As he searches for a new club, the football world watches to see where this next chapter will take one of the game's more high-profile journeymen.
