Saturday, December 6, 2025 - Former Manchester United and England midfielder, Jesse Lingard, has agreed to terminate his contract with FC Seoul for a 'new challenge'.
Lingard, 32, had joined the K League side on a free
transfer in February 2024 in a shock move.
He has made 66 appearances for the club, scoring 18
goals and providing 10 assists.
FC Seoul qualified for the AFC Champions
League after finishing fourth in his first season at the club, but
finished sixth in the 12-team league in their recently concluded 2024-25
season.
Lingard, who is set to make his final appearance for the
club in the AFC Champions League next week against Melbourne City, has
thanked fans an 'unforgettable experience'.
'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,' Lingard said.
'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.'
FC Seoul confirmed it had attempted to extend Lingard's
contract, but he had expressed a desire for a 'new challenge'.
The club described Lingard as being a 'symbol' for the whole
league and praised his dedication.
Lingard is the most valuable player in K League history,' an
FC Seoul statement read.
'He has represented FC Seoul for the past two years,
demonstrating a unique presence that not only boosts the team's performance but
also significantly enhances the brand value and prestige of the club.
'He has also created a sensation, becoming a symbol of not
only the team but also the entire K League. FC Seoul has been pursuing an
extension option for Lingard, allowing him to remain with the club for a longer
period.
'However, Lingard has expressed his deep satisfaction with
his time at FC Seoul over the past two years and respects the club, but
believes now is the right time to take on a new challenge and has expressed his
desire to embark on the next stage of his football journey.
'FC Seoul had a long and deep conversation with Lingard to
persuade him to stay with the team a little longer, but Lingard's will was
clear, and above all, Lingard's dedication to the team over the past two years
and his role as captain symbolised FC Seoul beyond his status as a foreign
player, so FC Seoul decided to accept the player's request with gratitude and
respect.
'FC Seoul would like to express its infinite respect and
gratitude to Lingard, who has consistently done everything for the team while
rewriting the history of the K League and the club, and will also send its full
support to the player for his decision that must have taken a long time to
consider and for his new challenge.'
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