Former Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard has made an announcement over his future.
Jesse Lingard has announced that his playing spell in South Korea is set to come to an end.
Lingard signed for FC Seoul as a free agent in 2024, after spell without a club.
This came after Lingard spent one season at Nottingham Forest, after his contract at Manchester United expired.
The move to South Korea was not easy at first for Lingard, who needed to get up to full fitness, but he quickly settled and was made captain of his team.
Jesse Lingard announces imminent exit
Jesse Lingard posted on Instagram that after talks with the club, he is set to leave FC Seoul this month when his contract expires.
2016 FA Cup hero Lingard said he was thankful for his experience at the club, and in South Korea as a country.
He posted: “After positive discussions with FC Seoul, we have mutually agreed that I will be leaving the club at the end of the 2025 season, with my final game on December 10th.
“This wasn’t an easy decision. 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 2 years has been truly amazing.
“Playing football here has been an unforgettable experience and one I will always value.
“I want to thank FC Seoul, my teammates, the staff, and everyone associated at the club for trusting me and welcoming me from day one. I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to play for such a massive club.”
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How Jesse Lingard fared in South Korea
Jesse Lingard has score 18 goals and provided 10 appearances during his time at FC Seoul, playing a key role for his side.
They currently rank sixth in the K League, winning 12 of 38 games this season. Lingard also played in the Asian Champions League.
| Competition | Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K League 1 | 2024 | 26 | 6 | 3 | 1,972 |
| K League 1 | 2025 | 34 | 10 | 4 | 2,574 |
| AFC Champions League | 2025/26 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 445 |
| Korean FA Cup | 2025 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 90 |
| TOTAL | All | 66 | 18 | 10 | ~5,081 |
Now 32, Lingard will become a free agent, and is expected to leave South Korean football behind.
A return to playing in English football will be speculated on, but after his left-field choice to play in the Far East, anything is on the table.
Lingard will likely be fielding offers from around the world, and his next move is anybody’s guess.
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