[Photo News] Ex-Premier Leaguer Lingard in Seoul

Jesse Lingard, former Manchester United midfielder and England men’s national football team member, waves at the fans welcoming his arrival at Incheon International Airport on Monday. (Yonhap)

Jesse Lingard, former Manchester United midfielder and England men’s national football team member, arrived at Incheon International Airport on Monday afternoon as he is expected to finalize a deal with FC Seoul of the K League 1, South Korea’s highest professional football league, later this week.

If the deal with FC Seoul goes through, the former English Premier Leaguer will become the biggest international football star with the highest name value that the Korean league has ever seen playing in the country. According to various media reports, Lingard’s contract with FC Seoul is projected to be a two-year agreement with an option for a third season.

The 31-year-old English native joined the youth team of Manchester United in 2007 at the age of seven. He had spent loan seasons with Leicester City, Birmingham City, Brighton and Hove Albion and Derby County before rejoining Manchester United for the 2015-16 season. He scored 20 totals in 149 games with Manchester United over six seasons.

Jesse Lingard, former Manchester United midfielder and England men’s national football team member, exits Incheon Airport as numerous fans take photos of the football player on Monday. (Yonhap)

By Kan Hyeong-woo(hwkan@heraldcorp.com)