Jesse Lingard to leave FC Seoul at the end of the season
Jesse Lingard’s eventful spell in South Korea is coming to an early close after FC Seoul confirmed the former Manchester United and England midfielder will depart at the end of the campaign, reports BritPanorama.
The 32-year-old, once hailed as the “biggest signing in K League history”, will play his final match for the club on December 10 before becoming a free agent once more.
Lingard, who joined Seoul in February 2024 after leaving Nottingham Forest, reached a mutual agreement with club officials following what both sides described as “positive discussions”.
The early exit brings to an end a productive two-year chapter in Asia in which the attacking midfielder scored 18 goals and registered 10 assists across 66 appearances.
He announced his decision in a statement posted to social media on Wednesday. “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,” he wrote.
“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 two 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.”
Lingard moved to Seoul in search of regular football after a short and injury-affected stint at Nottingham Forest, where he made just 20 appearances. The former England international arrived in the K League with substantial pedigree, having enjoyed a decorated career in the Premier League and on the international stage.
A product of Manchester United’s academy, Lingard spent 22 years at Old Trafford, rising through the youth ranks and breaking into the senior squad under Louis van Gaal. He made 232 appearances for United, scoring several high-profile goals – including winners in the 2016 FA Cup final and Community Shield – and helping the club lift the Europa League, FA Cup, and League Cup.
His form at United earned him 32 caps for England between 2016 and 2021. Lingard played a key role in Gareth Southgate’s 2018 World Cup squad that reached the semi-finals in Russia, scoring a memorable long-range strike against Panama and featuring in England’s run to the last four, their best finish since 1990.
He later starred during a successful loan spell at West Ham in 2021, producing nine goals and four assists in 16 Premier League appearances. However, following his resurgence in east London, Lingard struggled to recapture that level after returning to United and subsequent move to Forest.
The switch to South Korea provided a fresh start and consistent playing time – something he has spoken openly about valuing in the latter stages of his career. His next destination remains unknown, though interest is expected from MLS clubs, sides in the Middle East, and potentially teams in Europe seeking experienced playmakers.
With his departure from FC Seoul on the horizon, Lingard’s journey reflects the unpredictable path many athletes navigate as they seek to balance ambition with opportunity.
