Jesse Lingard agrees two-year contract with FC Seoul ahead of surprise move

Former West Ham midfielder had grown frustrated amid lack of Premier League interest

Former Manchester United and West Ham midfielder Jesse Lingard has agreed a two-year contract with South Korean side FC Seoul.

The 31-year-old has completed a medical and is in Seoul to finalise his move.

Lingard has been without a club since leaving Nottingham Forest last summer.

He was reluctant to join Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia following a trial in October.

Lingard had grown frustrated after several enquires failed to materialise and, amid a lack of Premier League interest, last month sacked his agents – including members of his own family.

West Ham were among the clubs reluctant to sign Lingard last month despite his successful loan spell in 2021.

His move to six-time K League winners FC Seoul is considered a positive choice for Lingard, who believes South Korea will offer him a better lifestyle.

He also wants to expand his off-field interests in Esports, fashion and restaurant businesses in Korea.