Exclusive: Man United legend makes move to sign Jesse Lingard
Man United legend-managed Feyenoord have made enquiries about free agent Jesse Lingard, sources have told Football Insider.
Lingard is a free agent having cancelled his contract at South Korean club FC Seoul, where he spent almost two years.
Feyenoord boss Robin van Persie has explored a potential move for Lingard, having been a former team-mate of the 33-year-old during their time together at Manchester United.
Lingard was linked away from FC Seoul in the summer, and the former England international is now free to find a new club after leaving on a free transfer.
The 33-year-old scored three goals and registered three assists in the six games he played for the South Korean outfit in the AFC Champions League this season.
Jesse Lingard remains a strong option
Lingard’s 2024 move to FC Seoul drew surprise, but the switch saw the midfielder produce fine form throughout the two years he spent there.
In just 67 appearances in South Korea, the midfielder scored 19 goals and provided 10 assists.
| Jesse Lingard | K-League 2025 |
| Appearances | 34 |
| Goals | 10 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Chances created | 86 |
| Successful dribbles | 16 |
| Duels won | 79 |
Yet Premier League clubs will be hesitant to bring Lingard back to England, after the disastrous spell that saw his Nottingham Forest career end after just one season.
Lingard had enjoyed a stunning loan move to West Ham in the previous season, but failed to recreate the same form at the City Ground.
The Eredivisie could be the perfect option to see the 33-year-old return to Europe, however, although his wages may prove a stumbling block.
Feyenoord are second in the Dutch top flight, but are more focused on holding off the teams below them, with PSV Eindhoven having already virtually sewn up the title.
What has Lingard said about returning to Europe?
Consistency has been hard to find for Lingard throughout his career. The midfielder spent well over a decade on the books at Man United, but ultimately left having never realised his full potential.
That talent appeared to explode during his loan spell at West Ham, but when presented the chance to move there permanently, he passed it up for a more lucrative deal at Nottingham Forest.
Lingard has shown good form in South Korea, however, and may now be ready to return to European football.
Speaking to BBC Sport last year, he said: “I’ve thought about the future quite a bit. Not much can happen this season so I just want to concentrate on football.
“But other possibilities are out there – of course you are going to think about it. We are only human. We will see what happens when the window opens.”