Jesse Lingard to become free agent after teasing ‘next stage’ transfer

Jesse Lingard has announced he will leave FC Seoul next week, after he plays his final game for the club.

The former Manchester United star made the move to South Korea in February 2024 in a surprise move that was billed as the biggest in the league’s history.

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In just under two years, Lingard made 65 appearances for the K League side, scoring 18 goals.

The 32-year-old had joined FC Seoul on a two-year contract, having spent seven months without a club beforehand.

But he has now revealed he will be departing ahead of the deal’s expiration.

‘Unforgettable experience’

Taking to Instagram to share the news, Lingard revealed he would make his final appearance for the side in their AFC Champions League Elite match against Melbourne City next week.

Lingard wrote: “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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Lingard’s FC Seoul career

While Lingard departs South Korea without any silverware, he has played a key role in the club’s resurgence.

In his debut season, the midfielder helped them to a fourth-placed league finish – their best final league position since 2019 – before ending the 2025 campaign in sixth.

As well as making an impact on the pitch, Lingard was also praised by those at FC Seoul for embracing local culture during his stay.

Thanking the Englishman for his efforts, the club said: “He generated an extraordinary level of public attention and emerged as a symbolic figure not only for the club but for the entire K League.”

What’s next for Jesse Lingard?

It remains to be seen what Lingard’s next move will be, but he is sure to attract interest from English sides given his career history.

Having joined FC Seoul following his release from Nottingham Forest in 2023, the ex-England international is once again set to become a free agent.

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In his one-year spell at the City Ground, Lingard was restricted to just 20 appearances, and scored twice in the EFL Cup.

Prior to this, he spent 22 years on the books at Man United, having graduated from the club’s famous youth system.

The local lad played a total of 232 games for the Red Devils, scoring 35 goals in all competitions, as well as winning the FA Cup, Europa League and League Cup.

Lingard also enjoyed an impressive loan spell at West Ham in the second half of the 2020/21 season, netting nine times in 16 games under former United boss David Moyes.