Jesse Lingard
The Former Premier League Player joins K League's FC Seoul
Official
Jesse Lingard has signed a 2 year contract with the capital club in K League. He will join his new teammates for preseason in Japan on the 9th. The K League doesn’t really do high-profile signings like this so it has generated a lot of enthusiasm around the league and in the country. The K League is best described as a physical league where defences are generally on top, so to have someone of Lingard’s ability will hopefully mean more goals and coverage of the league as well.
What he said
“Based on respect for Korean football, I am excited to represent the K League as soon as possible by playing good football and dedication to my new team, FC Seoul. I am looking forward to meeting coach Kim Ki-dong and to make an impact in the team.”
Talksport
I went on Talksport radio in the U.K. to share my thoughts on the move
Fit
FC Seoul have a new manager in Kim Gi-dong with expectations high for the forthcoming season. Kim had a very successful time in charge of Pohang Steelers, winning the FA Cup last season while being runner up in the league, as well as runner up in the Asian Champions League in 2021. The former Man United player will be part of a team that has disappointed over the past 4 seasons, finishing in the bottom half of the table, but alongside ex-Premier League player and club captain Ki Sung-yueng their prospects for the 2024 season are looking good.
K League Start
The league starts on the 1st of March with champions Ulsan HD facing FA Cup holders Pohang Steelers. FC Seoul face Gwangju FC away the following day in what could be Lingard’s bow. Gwangju finished a record high of third last season and under the leadership of Lee Jung-hyo play some of the best football in the league. A tough opening test awaits for both FC Seoul and Lingard, but an exciting new era for the league.