Jesse Lingard has made a surprising move to South Korean FC Seoul.
The former Manchester United striker has signed a two-year contract with the option to add a third to the K League 1 squad.
Mail Sport understands that the 31-year-old, who was released from Nottingham Forest at the end of last season, had offers from as many as 26 clubs around the world, including FC Seoul and Lazio.
The news was confirmed on Instagram on Wednesday, when Lingard posted a photo of himself wearing an FC Seoul jersey, writing: ‘New beginnings! I’m so excited to finally get back on the field and do what I love most.
“I’m so grateful for the love and support in South Korea, @FC Seoul.”
Earlier this week, reports suggested that Lingard could earn around £17,500 a week, which equates to £910,000 a year. Lingard had signed a contract extension with Man United in 2017, earning £100,000 net per week.
Jesse Lingard has completed his move to South Korean side FC Seoul after spending the past seven months as a free agent
Lingard wrote on Instagram that he was eager to get back on the field
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Despite this, it is believed that he will become the highest-paid player in the K League if those figures are correct. According to the club’s website, Lingard has now completed his move and will take part in the team’s winter training camp in Kagoshima.
In a separate video on the club’s Instagram, the ex-Man United striker said: ‘My dream as a young child was to play in the Premier League and I have always worked hard to achieve that goal. I have always wanted different challenges to create new memories in my career and I believe South Korea is the place for that. Jesse Lingard is at FC Seoul.’
He added: “Based on respect for Korean football, I am excited to represent the K-League as soon as possible through playing good football and dedication to my new team, FC Seoul. I look forward to meeting coach Kim Gidong and making an impact on the team.”
In a statement on the club’s website, FC Seoul wrote: ‘This is enough news to catch the eyes and ears of Korean football fans as it is a challenge to the K League by a player with the highest name value in the 41-year-old history. of the K League.
‘As a leading club in the K League, FC Seoul has taken the lead in recruiting big names with both skill and popularity and has consistently made impactful efforts that will not only lead to the success of the K League, but also the development of Korean football.
“This recruitment came as a surprise as the forward-looking vision and objectives of both FC Seoul and Lingard coincided.”
Speculation surrounding a move to the Asian club emerged last week, with Lingard subsequently posting a photo of himself at the airport as he prepared to check in for a Korean Air flight on Monday.
His move would take place ahead of the start of the Korean First Division, with Seoul set to open their K League season against Gwangju on March 2.
Lingard was released by Nottingham Forest in the summer after struggling to make an impact on the City ground
The former Man United striker has been looking for a club since leaving the woods last summer
On FC Seoul’s Instagram, Lingard said he was “excited to represent the team in the K League”
Lingard spent fourteen years at Manchester United after graduating from the club’s academy. He made his Premier League debut for the Red Devils in 2014, before scoring 35 times in 232 games in all competitions with United.
During that period he also spent time on loan at Leicester, Birmingham, Derby and West Ham, before eventually leaving Old Trafford for a free transfer to Forest in 2022.
The 31-year-old subsequently had a difficult time with Steve Cooper’s side, scoring twice in 20 appearances in all competitions, before being released again in July 2023.
The free agent has been looking for a new club for the past seven months after reportedly being offered the chance to join French side Lille, while also linking up with Portland Timbers on a free transfer to the MLS. Neither move came to fruition.
Lingard, who made 32 appearances for England, also trained at West Ham before joining Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq.
David Moyes’ side were reportedly not ‘interested in offering a contract’ following his trial – an arrangement which reportedly cost the Hammers thousands.
Al-Ettifaq, who was initially keen to sign Lingard, ultimately decided not to offer him a contract.
Lingard, who has made more than 200 appearances for Manchester United, shared an optimistic Instagram post
Lingard has been without a club for the past seven months, but has trained with both West Ham and Al-Ettifaq
Lingard has continued to work hard on the training pitch, posting training montages of himself on social media
The situation had reportedly left the ex-Man United star frustrated, with Lingard ending a long and complex deal with his former agents, including some members of his family, in January.
He then shared a bullish message on Instagram that read, “My focus is different. My time is invested in growth. I don’t expect people to understand what I’m up to. Eventually they will.”
He added another photo of himself on the training pitch and wrote: ‘Only high vibrations and good energy!’
Meanwhile, he continued to share montages of his training on social media as he looked for a new club.
Lingard also posted several photos of himself working out at a luxury gym in Dubai
Paiul Scholes showed no mercy to the free agent after posting the photos of himself in training online
The photos caught the attention of former Man United midfielder Paul Scholes, who slammed Lingard, writing on his Instagram post: “Are you just going to potter around the gym or are you actually going to play football?”
Despite claims he was distracted by off-field interests, Lingard admitted in 2022 that he “felt misunderstood at times” and insisted he enjoys training and playing football.
Before joining Forest, the 31-year-old enjoyed a successful loan spell at West Ham in 2021.
He went on to score nine goals in 16 games for West London, which seemed to spark a good relationship with Moyes.
The 31-year-old enjoyed a successful loan spell at West Ham in 2021, scoring nine goals in 16 games
Lingard would win several major honors during his time at Man United, including scoring the winning goal in the 2016 FA Cup Final
He has also tasted his fair share of major honours, with Lingard winning the Europa League, League Cup, Charity Shield and FA Cup with Man United.
Lingard notably scored the winning goal in the 2016 FA Cup Final, setting up a stunning volley to help Man United beat Crystal Palace 2-1 at Wembley.
He would also represent England at the 2018 World Cup and help Gareth Southgate’s side reach the semi-finals of the tournament, with Lingard playing in all but one match.