Many South Korean fans and football supporters worldwide are looking forward to Jesse Lingard's FC Seoul debut, after the Englishman signed for them as a free agent.
Lingard was a free agent after his contract at Nottingham Forest expired in the summer. His Premier League wages are too high for the K-League, who do not have a big salary budget unlike the likes of the Saudi Pro League in Asia, so the 31-year-old agreed a huge pay cut to join FC Seoul.
The ex-Man Utd man is a marquee signing by K-League standards, and is expected to make his debut for his new club imminently.
When will Lingard make his FC Seoul debut?
Assuming no unforeseen events, Lingard will debut when the new K-League season kicks off on Friday, with FC Seoul away to Gwangju in their opener on Saturday at 5am UK time.
However, it's not likely to be a winning start, as FC Seoul are currently rated as outsiders to beat Gwangju, with the hosts favoured at 13/10 with betting markets, while a draw is rated at 9/4.
Why has Lingard joined the K-League?
After just one season at Forest, Lingard has perhaps moved to South Korea to revitalise his career, and has seen the success of English players like Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane moving abroad. The K-League is growing in popularity with average attendances rising, and Lingard would certainly help maintain that with his profile.
He never won the Premier League or UEFA Champions League during his time in England, but did win the FA Cup, Carabao Cup, Community Shield and UEFA Europa League at Manchester United. Lingard made 232 senior appearances for his boyhood club, scoring 35 goals and making 21 assists.
The midfielder has also played for Brighton and Hove Albion, West Ham United, Derby County, Birmingham City and Leicester City, and has been capped 32 times at senior level by England – netting six goals and supplying five assists.
