Jesse Lingard (33), who announced his split with FC Seoul, is increasing the possibility of returning to the English Premier League (EPL).
The Peoplesperson, which covers Manchester United news, cited sports media Sports Boom on the 8th (Korean time) and reported, "Two unnamed Premier League teams have shown interest in signing Lingard. Accordingly, Lingard is dreaming of a dramatic return to the Premier League."
The Seoul club announced on the 5th, "We will terminate the contract with Lingard and part ways at the end of the 2025 season," and "Lingard expressed to the club that he wants to open the next stage of his football journey, and the club agreed to accept this."
Lingard is scheduled to play a farewell match in the 2025-2026 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Elite (ACLE) group stage matchday 6 against Melbourne City (Australia) at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 10th.
Lingard signed with Seoul on a "2+1 years" deal. After two seasons, during consultations with the club over whether to trigger the one-year extension option, Lingard expressed his desire to take on a new challenge. Ultimately that new challenge was a "return to the Premier League."
During his two seasons in Korea, Lingard played 66 matches and recorded 18 goals and 10 assists. As Seoul captain, that is a satisfactory record. However, it was emphasized that the background to Lingard's contract termination was the agreement to part ways with Seoul in December, before the January transfer window opened.
A Manchester United academy graduate, Lingard appeared in 232 matches, and his stock rose during his explosive performances while on loan at West Ham United. After a one-year contract at Nottingham Forest ended, he left Europe and wore the Seoul jersey.
Because Lingard's performances were positive, Seoul reportedly allowed his contract termination. The media said, "Lingard is confident he can return to the English stage."
This season, several teams in the Premier League are struggling with scoring ability and tactical execution. Lingard, who can play across the entire forward area, is evaluated as sufficiently competitive even as a bench option.
Lingard last played in the EPL in July 2023. Attention is focused on whether Lingard can step onto the English stage again and which club will sign him.
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