Jesse Lingard, the experienced English midfielder currently without a club, is reportedly in advanced negotiations as he edges closer to securing a new team following his departure from FC Seoul. The 33-year-old free agent spent two productive seasons with the South Korean side, making 67 appearances and netting 19 goals, before leaving in December to embark on a search for his next challenge.
Serie A Emerges as Likely Destination
According to reports from The Daily Mail, Lingard has held discussions with several clubs in Britain, but it appears an overseas move is now the most probable outcome. The Warrington-born star is said to be in advanced talks with clubs in Serie A, indicating that a switch to Italy is firmly on the cards. While his exact next team remains unclear, this development suggests Lingard could soon follow in the footsteps of other English players who have found success in the Italian top flight.
English Contingent in Italy Provides Inspiration
Lingard's potential move to Serie A comes at a time when English players are making a significant impact in the league. Veteran striker Jamie Vardy, for instance, made a surprising transfer to Cremonense last year and has thrived, scoring five league goals this season and earning the Serie A Player of the Month award in November—a first for an Englishman. Other compatriots currently plying their trade in Italy include Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Fikayo Tomori at AC Milan, as well as Lloyd Kelly at Juventus, showcasing the growing appeal of Serie A for British talent.
Lingard's Gratitude for FC Seoul Experience
Upon confirming his exit from FC Seoul in December, Lingard took to Instagram to express his appreciation for an unbelievable stint in South Korea. In a heartfelt statement, he wrote: 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. 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.
He added: 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.
Vast Experience to Offer New Club
Wherever Lingard lands next, he will bring a wealth of experience from his career. He made 232 appearances for Manchester United, scoring 35 goals, and won the FA Cup, League Cup, and Europa League with the Red Devils. His best individual season came in 2017/18 when he notched 13 goals in 48 outings across all competitions. With 32 caps for England, Lingard has also had loan spells at Leicester, Birmingham, Brighton, and Derby County early in his career, along with a memorable stint at West Ham in 2020/21 where he scored nine goals in 16 Premier League games.
After leaving Manchester United for Nottingham Forest in 2022, Lingard endured a forgettable season before revitalising his career with the move to Korea in early 2024. Now, as talks progress, fans await official confirmation of his next destination, with Serie A looking increasingly likely to be the stage for his next chapter.
