Jesse Lingard’s Next Chapter: A Journey Beyond FC Seoul

omidbasir- Jesse Lingard has reached a mutual agreement to terminate his contract with FC Seoul, concluding his time with the club after making 67 appearances and scoring 19 goals. The former Manchester United star described his experience at Seoul as “unbelievable,” expressing gratitude for the opportunity to play for a prestigious organization. He marked his departure with a goal in his final match against Melbourne City and has since been linked with several clubs, including Wrexham.

At 33 years old, Lingard indicated to the Guardian that he is “open” to pursuing new challenges in various leagues, including Europe, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Currently, he appears to be in advanced talks with clubs in Serie A, as reported by the Daily Mail. While the specifics of his potential destination remain unclear, it is evident that he will not be the only former Manchester United player making an impact in Italy. Notable names such as Scott McTominay, Rasmus Hojlund, and Romelu Lukaku are currently thriving at Napoli, and David De Gea joined Fiorentina as a free agent in 2024 after a season of inactivity.

McTominay, who celebrated winning the league in his inaugural season with Napoli, highlighted the differences between the Premier League and Serie A. He noted, “The Premier League and Serie A are very, very different. I feel like in Italy it’s more tactical, while the Premier League can be a bit more chaotic, resembling a basketball game at times.”

Since departing Seoul, Lingard has addressed critics of his professionalism. In an interview with Sky Sports, he stated, “In life, both inside and outside football, one will face tough times mentally, especially when not performing well and receiving criticism from fans. It’s essential to learn from these experiences. I have reached a point where I no longer care about negative comments; they are just words. The positivity I have encountered since my time in Manchester has been encouraging. I strive to be a good person, bringing smiles to others, but I am also serious about my work. This aspect of my character has often been misunderstood, as some believe I am only playful. While I enjoy dancing at the right moments, my focus is unwavering when training and competing.”

Lingard has shared footage of his training sessions in Dubai over the winter, demonstrating his commitment to preparing for competitive action once a new deal is finalized. Eager to return to the pitch after a brief hiatus, he is determined to continue his career, which has included stints at Leicester, Birmingham, Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Derby, and West Ham, following his development in Manchester United’s academy.