Jesse Lingard (33 years old) became a free agent after leaving South Korea’s FC Seoul in December and has been negotiating with various clubs in the January transfer window.
Jesse Lingard becomes a free agent after leaving FC Seoul (Image: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
Former Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard is pondering his future after holding talks with Premier League and Serie A sides. The 33-year-old became a free agent after leaving FC Seoul in December and is preparing to return to European football.
Lingard made a surprise move to the South Korean capital in February 2024 when he signed a two-year contract with FC Seoul. After a difficult spell in England, which ended with Nottingham Forest, he came to terms with a change of heart, and went on to play 67 games for Seoul, scoring 19 goals and providing 10 assists.
He claimed that 26 clubs around the world were interested in acquiring his services before moving to Seoul. And there are still plenty of teams interested in signing the midfielder, who has 32 caps and six goals for England.
According to the Daily Mail, he is in talks with English clubs, including Premier League sides, but is currently in “advanced negotiations” with a Serie A side. If he moves to Italy, he would join other former Manchester United players Rasmus Hjølund and Scott McTominay, who both play for Napoli.
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Lingard came through United’s academy and spent 11 years in the first team, much of that time spent on loan at Leicester, Birmingham, Brighton, Derby and West Ham. After signing a one-year contract, he will spend the 2022/23 season at Forest, before moving to South Korea to gain fresh experience.
After leaving the club, he posted on Instagram: “My time in South Korea was incredible. The football, the atmosphere and the passion of this club was top class.
“The love, support and appreciation you all have shown me over the last two years has been incredible and I will always be grateful for the opportunity to play for such a huge club.”
Jesse Lingard enjoyed his time at FC Seoul (Image: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images)
Let us know what you think. Where should Jesse Lingard go next? Comment below.
Former United striker Dwight Yorke has suggested Wrexham as a good destination for Lingard. “It wouldn’t be surprising if he went to Wrexham. Maybe he feels it’s time to come home and be closer to his daughter and help Wrexham get promotion to the Premier League,” he said. “This may be his last rodeo and I experienced the benefits of being on a championship team.
“I did it when Sunderland were 23rd and we were promoted to champions. It can be done and it’s a way to get Jesse back to the level that I’m sure he wants. I’d definitely look at it. Wrexham are a very ambitious team with wealthy backers who are progressing well and are currently mid-table in the Championship.”
He added: “I’d tell Jesse to take a look at it because I’m a great example of what’s possible. When it’s done, it’s a great achievement and just when you think everything is hopeless and gloomy, you find yourself playing Premier League football again. I would encourage him to take a look at it.”
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