Jesse Lingard signs in Korea after leaving Man Utd and Three Lions squad

Jesse Lingard has successfully signed for FC Seoul in South Korea, after departing Manchester United and the England national team.

Following his contract at Nottingham Forest expiring at the end of the previous campaign, Lingard has been without a club ever since. With the option for a third-year extension, the 31-year-old is said to have inked a two-year contract with the K-League team.

After deciding he wanted a fresh football start abroad, Lingard stated he had previously received “several offers from other clubs.”

“I’ve always wanted a different challenge and to create new memories in my career,” Lingard said in a YouTube video. “I believe South Korea is the perfect place for that.”

The fact that FC Seoul was determined to sign him before the transfer became known to the public on England’s deadline day, which Lingard claimed was a factor in his decision. Although Lingard stated his on-field success played a major role in his choice, it had been rumoured that he intended to increase his off-field interests in esports, fashion, and restaurant enterprises in Korea.

“FC Seoul showed me great passion, sending me a concrete offer on paper while other clubs were contacting me verbally,” Lingard said at a news conference. “They also came to Manchester to check my physical condition.”

Lingard, who was born and grew up in Warrington, joined Manchester United’s academy system and made his debut in the first squad in August 2014 under Louis van Gaal. Later on, he made 232 appearances for United and scored 35 goals while assisting the team in winning the FA Cup, League Cup, and Europa League.

After his contract with the Red Devils expired in July 2022, Lingard signed a one-year contract with Nottingham Forest. 

The final of Lingard’s thirty-two England caps came in a 5-0 victory against Andorra in October 2021. Lingard has had loan stints at Leicester, Birmingham, Brighton, Derby, and West Ham.