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Lingard to leave FC Seoul after two seasons

Jesse Lingard wearing a black and white striped FC Seoul shirtGetty Images

Bobbie Jackson

BBC Sport journalist

FormerManchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard says he has "mutually agreed" to terminate his contract with FC Seoul and will leave next week.

Lingard, 32, joined the K League club on a free transfer in February 2024 and has made 66 appearances, scoring 18 goals.

The England international will play his final game on Wednesday against Melbourne City in the AFC Champions League.

"My time in South Korea has been unbelievable - the football, the atmosphere and the passion around this club have been top class," Lingard wrote on Instagram.

"The love, support and the appreciation you have shown towards me for these last two years has been truly amazing.

"I'll always be grateful for the opportunity to play for such a massive club."

FC Seoul said Lingard had "conveyed his desire to move on to the next stage of his football career".

Lingard, who made 232 appearances for Manchester United, is yet to confirm where he will play next.

Lingard on Man Utd, Forest regrets and playing in South Korea

Lingard will leave South Korea without any silverware but did help FC Seoul to finish fourth - their highest finish since 2019 - during his debut season, while they ended the 2025 campaign sixth.

"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," FC Seoul said.

After ending his 20-year association with Manchester United, Lingard endured a difficult start to life with FC Seoul and was publicly criticised by his coach after missing an early chunk of his debut season through injury.

But he went on to establish himself as a key figure and was rewarded with the captain's armband.