National World Top Stories Update Friday 5 December, 2025
A former Manchester United wonderkid - who’s career didn’t reach the heights some expected - is now a free agent.
Jesse Lingard was touted for big things when he broke into the starting XI at Old Trafford over a decade ago.
But multiple failed loan spells and a reputation for laziness cost him dearly, despite flashes of genuine brilliance, and at the age of 32 he has been plying his trade for FC Seoul in South Korea.
Jesse Lingard has left FC Seoul after two years at the club.placeholder image
Jesse Lingard has left FC Seoul after two years at the club. | AFP via Getty Images
Now, Lingard has announced he is leaving the club, despite being made captain and with no rumours suggesting where he might go next.
In a post on Instagram, the midfielder said: “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 two years has been truly amazing. I'll always be grateful for the opportunity to play for such a massive club.”
An FC Seoul spokesperson added: “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.”
Despite a 22-year affiliation with Manchester United, Lingard has played for a plethora of teams before he joined FC Seoul in 2024.
Here is every club he has played for during his career.
Manchester United (2011-2022)
Having risen through the academy ranks at Old Trafford, Lingard was given his official debut for the Red Devils in 2011. During his 11 years as a senior player he made 149 appearances, scoring 20 goals in the process.
Leicester City (2012/13)
Keen to give a rising star more game time, Sir Alex Ferguson sent Lingard out on loan to Leicester - who were in the Championship that season. The team finished sixth, missing out on play-off promotion thanks to an iconic last-minute goal from Watford’s Troy Deeney. Lingard made just four appearances during the campaign.
Birmingham City (2013/14)
Having not received the first-team opportunities he desired at Leicester, Lingard hoped his second loan stint at Birmingham City would prove more fruitful. Over the 2013/14 season he made 13 appearances and scored six goals, although the team could only muster a 21st-place finish in the Championship.
Brighton and Hove Albion (2014)
In February 2014, Lingard joined Brighton on a 93-day loan and played 17 times, including in the Championship play-offs, as he became a key part of Oscar Garcia’s squad. The midfielder scored four goals in those three months, making him one of the highest-scoring players for the Seagulls that season.
Derby County (2015)
On February 2, 2015, Lingard was sent back out on loan to the Championship, this time playing for Derby County. He made 15 appearances for the club, scoring two goals, before heading back to Man United for the 2015/16 season.
West Ham United (2021)
After a lengthier spell in the Man United squad, Lingard fell out of favour during the Covid-19 pandemic, and in 2021 sought refuge at West Ham. In April, he won the Premier League’s player of the month award, contributing nine goals and five assists to the Hammers’ campaign.
Nottingham Forest (2022/23)
In the summer of 2022, Lingard signed a one-year contract at Nottingham Forest - becoming the club’s highest-paid player in the process. He made 17 Premier League appearances but failed to pick up a single goal or assist; his contract was not renewed at the end of the season, making Lingard a free agent.
FC Seoul (2024-25)
Described as the “biggest signing in K League history”, Lingard signed a two-year deal at FC Seoul. A knee injury sidelined him for part of the 2024 season, but overall he scored 16 goals in 59 games for the Korean giants, and was given the captain’s armband in the process.
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