Jesse Lingard: Former Manchester United, West Ham midfielder to leave FC Seoul – The Athletic
Lintao Zhang via Getty Images
Former Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard will leave FC Seoul at the end of the 2025 season.
The 32-year-old joined the South Korean club in February 2024, having been a free agent for several months following his departure from Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2023.
A statement from FC Seoul said that, after 21 months in the K-League, had decided to move on, despite the club attempting to tie him down to fresh terms.
FC Seoul confirmed Lingard’s departure via a statement that read: “Lingard is the most valuable player in K League history. He has represented FC Seoul for the past two years, demonstrating a unique presence that not only boosts the team’s performance but also significantly enhances the brand value and prestige of the club.
“He has also created a sensation, becoming a symbol of not only the team but also the entire K League. FC Seoul has been pursuing an extension option for Lingard, allowing him to remain with the club for a longer period.
“However, Lingard has expressed his deep satisfaction with his time at FC Seoul over the past two years and respects the club, but believes now is the right time to take on a new challenge and has expressed his desire to embark on the next stage of his football journey.”
The former West Ham United loanee scored 18 goals and provided ten assists in 66 games for the South Korean side while also regularly wearing the captain’s armband.
“FC Seoul had a long and deep conversation with Lingard to persuade him to stay with the team a little longer, but Lingard’s will was clear,” the statement said. “Above all, Lingard’s dedication to the team over the past two years and his role as captain symbolized FC Seoul beyond his status as a foreign player.
“So, FC Seoul decided to accept the player’s request with gratitude and respect. We would like to express our infinite respect and gratitude to a player who has consistently done everything for the team while rewriting the history of the K League and the club.”
Lingard’s final match for the side will be against Australian side Melbourne City AFC (Asian Football Confederation) Champions League Elite on December 10.
