Former FC Seoul Captain Searching For Next Move
Jesse Lingard’s next destination remains wide open, with rumours across Asia suggesting he may be heading to either China or Malaysia. The 33-year-old recently left FC Seoul, where he spent two seasons and served as club captain this year.
Lingard reportedly left Korea hoping to return to the Premier League. But with no firm interest emerging from England, observers now say his most realistic options allegedly lie in the Chinese Super League or Malaysia’s top flight.
China Clubs Allegedly Circling
According to Chosun, a Chinese outlet has speculated that Lingard is considering the CSL as a free agent, naming recently promoted Dalian Yingbo as one of the strongest possibilities.
Reports claim Lingard’s standout performance in the AFC Champions League Elite match against Shanghai Haigang — where he scored twice and assisted once — has reignited Chinese interest.
Analysts assume this display strengthened his appeal as someone who could “immediately contribute” to a side rebuilding its foreign attacking line.
Sohu also reported that Dalian Yingbo, alongside clubs such as Chengdu Rongcheng, Beijing Guoan, and Shanghai Shenhua, are rumoured to be monitoring the player.
Malaysia Enters The Conversation
Among the swirling options, Malaysia has emerged as a surprising contender. Kuala Lumpur-based ‘Stadium Astro’ has allegedly reported that Johor Darul Ta’zim FC (JDT) are allegedly keeping tabs on Lingard while celebrating their fourth consecutive FA Cup triumph.
Further speculation erupted after Lingard’s name appeared in JDT’s official online player search database, sparking social media chatter. It is unclear whether this was an administrative slip, a normal searchable database function, or an early sign of a transfer in motion.
Indonesian football media also reported that Johor’s aggressive approach in the regional market could make a Southeast Asian switch plausible.
A Strong Spell In Korea
Lingard’s two years in Korea have been widely praised. At FC Seoul, he recorded 18 goals and 10 assists in 76 official matches.
In 2025, he wore the captain’s armband and scored 10 goals across 34 league appearances, marking the first double-digit league tally of his career. Seoul wanted to extend his stay, but Lingard requested a new challenge — a decision the club respected by not triggering the extension clause.
Premier League Dream Still Alive — But Complicated
Reports say Lingard still prefers a Premier League return. But reports also suggest financial demands, age, and form fluctuations have made such a move increasingly improbable.
Meanwhile, the CSL and Malaysia allegedly present advantages: immediate playing opportunities and strong commercial value.
Where Next?
Right now, Lingard’s future is purely speculative and unconfirmed. Whether he ends up at JDT, moves to China, lands elsewhere in Asia, or secures a return to Europe remains unknown.
What is clear, however, is that his name appearing around Malaysia’s football scene has set off fresh debate — especially among fans wondering if Johor Darul Ta’zim could really pull off one of the most unexpected signings in the region.
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