Midfielder has finally rebuilt his career after Manchester United blocked him from joining Newcastle United

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Jesse Lingard looked destined to leave Manchester United and become a Newcastle United player in 2022.

Shortly after the Newcastle United takeover went through and PIF bought the club from Mike Ashley, Jesse Lingard emerged as a transfer target.

It was reported that Newcastle wanted Lingard and James Tarkowski as their first signings, despite the footballing world clamouring for the club to spend their Saudi riches on Hollywood names.

Eddie Howe took a sensible approach, as he set about avoiding relegation from the Premier League to the Championship. He wanted Premier League experience, while he also needed a sprinkle of magic in attack.

What happened when Newcastle United tried to sign Jesse Lingard from Manchester United

The plan was for Lingard to provide that, but he was robbed of the opportunity by Manchester United.

The Magpies wanted the England international on loan, and it was reported that Lingard was keen to move to St James’ Park.

However, Manchester United price Lingard out of a move to Newcastle United.

To loan him for six months and cover his wages, plus a bonus if the Magpies avoided relegation, Newcastle were being asked to pay £15million for Lingard. That was a ridiculous amount, and it summed up the desperation of Premier League clubs to stunt Newcastle’s progress immediately after PIF’s arrival.

Lingard stayed put and went on to become a free agent.

Newcastle targeted Lingard again, but his wage demands were too high. In the end, he joined Nottingham Forest on a free transfer following their promotion to the Premier League.

That move did not go to plan, and he was subsequently released at the end of the 2022/23 season.

Who Jesse Lingard is playing for now

In February 2024, it was reported that Lingard was joining FC Seoul in South Korea.

It was a shocking move, and one that quickly looked like it was going to end in disaster. After just one month in Asia, Lingard was criticised by the FC Seoul head coach for a lack of effort.

But now Lingard has turned things around. The 32-year-old has become the club captain at FC Seoul, scoring six goals and providing three assists for them last season. They came fourth in the K League 1, with Ulsan HD finishing first to lift the title.

Now he is starting his second season with the South Korean side, and Lingard recently told the Independent in an interview that he is now settled and enjoying his football.

“Even though I’m far away from my family and my daughter, last year I had a blast,” he said.

“My daughter and family came out. It was good. Sometimes it’s good to just get away and have a little bit of change. I’m still happy playing football, no matter where I am.”

Interestingly, Lingard is playing for FC Seoul alongside former Newcastle United midfielder Ki Sung-yueng.