‘Jesse Lingard opens up on future plans as ex-Man United star faces contract uncertainty’
Jesse Lingard could be set for a move away from South Korea this summer, with the former Manchester United midfielder’s future up in the air.
Since leaving Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2023, Lingard has been playing his football for FC Seoul in the K League.
The 32-year-old has featured in all 16 of the Korean side’s games so far this season, scoring four goals in the process.
The former England international has spent the majority of his career at Old Trafford, with a few successful loan spells, most notably at West Ham in 2020/21.
| Season | Games | Goals | Assists |
| 2020/2021 | 16 | 9 | 4 |
However, Lingard left United at the end of the following season, moving to Forest despite interest from the Hammers, where he had performed so well previously.
Lingard unsure on future
Lingard’s current contract expires in November, at the end of the current K League season, with FC Seoul having the option to extend the deal for a further year.
Speaking to BBC Sport (30 May), the midfielder hinted at uncertain times ahead, saying: “I’ve thought about the future quite a bit, not much can happen this season.
“I just want to concentrate on football, but other possibilities are out there, of course you are going to think about it.”
At the age of 32, some might feel that Lingard’s career is coming to an end, but the former United man still feels like he has a lot to give, saying: “I’m still playing football and I’m enjoying myself.
“I still have many years of playing football ahead of me – I’m 32 but the stats don’t show that I’m 32. I can play for a long time.”
Lingard may never return to England
Football Insider Verdict
There was a point during Lingard’s loan spell with West Ham where it felt like we were finally seeing him realise his potential, and that he had the chance to kick on and continue his career in East London.
However, a permanent move to the London Stadium never materialised, and his switch to Forest went horribly wrong, not managing a single goal or assist in the Premier League.
There are similarities between Lingard’s past situation and Marcus Rashford’s current one, as the latter is unlikely to move to Aston Villa after rediscovering his form in the Midlands.
For Lingard, it is unlikely he will ever make it back to the Premier League, despite his insistence that he still has a lot more to give.
The Englishman always struggled with consistency, and it would be a huge risk for any club in the top tier to bring him in at his age.