‘Good riddance’ – Simon Jordan gives scathing verdict on Jesse Lingard’s move to FC Seoul

Simon Jordan has labelled Jesse Lingard a ‘waste of time’ in a scathing assessment of the midfielder’s switch to FC Seoul.

The former Manchester United star sealed a switch to South Korea on Thursday after a seven-month search for a new club.

Lingard left Nottingham Forest last summer after just one season at the City Ground and despite numerous attempts to resurrect his career, the free agent was unable to find a new employer for six months.

The 31-year-old has now signed a two-year-deal with the K-League side with the option of a further year and is set to receive wages of around £17,000-a-week.

The move is likely to help the growth of his brand in the Asian market with his entertainment company ‘JLINGS Esports’ having recently signed an alliance with ‘Liiv Sandbox’ - one of Korea’s most popular esports and entertainment brands.

Reacting to the move, Jordan was in no mood to mince his words on the England international, insisting Lingard has wasted his career.

“Good riddance to bad rubbish, waste of time,” Jordan told talkSPORT. “Wasted his career, wasted his opportunities. Wasted his time at Nottingham Forest, wasted Nottingham Forest’s money and this is the level that he’s now at.

“Well done. All the talent that you had, all the opportunities that you’ve had. You’ve played for the biggest club in world football in my view in Manchester United and spent more time worrying about what you look like.”

Lingard’s six-month loan switch to West Ham in January 2021 propelled the star into England contention ahead of the delayed Euro 2020 tournament.

The midfielder registered nine goals and five assists during his spell at the London Stadium, landing him the Premier League’s Player of the Month award.

But Lingard was left out of Gareth Southgate’s squad ahead of what turned out to be an underwhelming spell at Nottingham Forest.

Assessing his purple patch at West Ham, Jordan says a possible inclusion in the Three Lions squad was the driving force behind his return to form.

“He wanted something from that. He wanted the opportunity to get into the European Championship squad and he created an opportunity,” Jordan added.

“Good player, there’s no doubt he was a good player but he’s a waste of time now. Ask Nottingham Forest fans what they think of him.

“You don’t land in Seoul with a nondescript team in a nondescript league on nondescript money in the age of fortunes and people questioning whether you’ve got brand.

“Brand what? Brand idiot?

“What’s his brand? Wasted talent, I worked my way down from Manchester United to FC Seoul in four years – follow me.”