Two former Manchester United regulars spent the first part of last season without a club, sitting on the free agent shelf.
This was where goalkeeper David de Gea waited all season, with the former Spain international taking a curious ‘gap year’, with his next move uncertain.
Jesse Lingard took until 2024 to find a new club, before making a move to South Korean side FC Seoul in early February.
It was not a move anybody had expected, but it was also refreshing to see him choose a less predictable route to extend his career abroad.
Jesse Lingard now kicking on
Jesse Lingard’s first few weeks were not easy in South Korea, despite arriving to huge fanfare as a very high-profile signing.
After spending months without seeing action, Lingard lacked sharpness so his performances did not match the hype.
He then spent around five weeks sidelined with a knee injury which had been troubling him.
A fortnight ago Lingard had a bit of a breakthrough. He was named captain of FC Seoul, which he described as a ‘proud moment’.
Lingard has retained the captaincy, and earlier this week he did something he has not done yet in South Korea… he scored a goal.
Lingard celebrates first goal
Jesse Lingard has scored a few goals in his career, memorably the 2016 FA Cup Final winner against Crystal Palace.
He will fondly remember his first ever goal in South Korea too, helping his side to a 2-0 win over Gangwon, a team higher than them in the table.
This was Lingard’s 10th game for FC Seoul, and his first goal contribution. He is ready for lift off after this breakthrough moment.
He celebrated on Instagram: “This feeling 🥹❤️ proud of the lads today! Have to keep pushing.”
The win had some significance because it lifted FC Seoul to sixth in the table, an important position.
The top six in the K-League enter into a Championship Round. The bottom six enter the Relegation Round.
Lingard’s goal has moved his side up into sixth place. Lingard will want to keep on scoring and keep on winning.
His contract has an option for an additional 12 months. He is beginning to show he might have a chance of earning the extension.