Jesse Lingard’s disappointing debut for FC Seoul: a forgettable start

FC Seoul Debut Disappointment for Jesse Lingard

Jesse Lingard made his debut for FC Seoul in a 2-0 defeat against Gwangju in K League 1. The English midfielder failed to impress in his first appearance for the bottom-of-the-table side. Lingard’s signing for FC Seoul came after leaving Nottingham Forest without registering a goal or an assist in the previous season. Despite offers from clubs like West Ham, Lingard opted for a move to South Korea, becoming the highest-profile foreign player in the local league.

Named as a substitute, Lingard entered the fray with his team trailing 1-0. His performance showcased signs of rustiness, with misplaced passes and a lack of influence on the game. A late challenge resulted in a booking in stoppage time, causing a stir among the opponents. Gwangju capitalized on a second goal in the final minutes, sealing the victory and a disappointing debut for Lingard.

Looking ahead, Lingard is expected to feature in FC Seoul’s upcoming matches, hoping to improve upon his initial showing. However, a return to top-flight European football seems unlikely for the 31-year-old. Lingard’s chances of an England call-up for Euro 2024 also appear bleak, with Gareth Southgate veering away from including him in the national squad. Lingard’s focus now shifts towards adapting to his new surroundings in Asia while aiming to make a meaningful impact for FC Seoul despite the setback in his debut.