Jesse Lingard of FC Seoul (C) dribbles the ball against Gimcheon Sangmu FC during a K League 1 match at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Seoul, in this file photo from March 3, 2025. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, July 11 (Korea Bizwire) — English football star Jesse Lingard, currently playing for K League 1 club FC Seoul, has had his salary account partially frozen due to a legal dispute with his former agent over unpaid fees, according to sources in both the football and legal communities.
The Seoul Western District Court approved a wage garnishment request filed by Jung Hyun-jung, CEO of the football agency Made in Football, who claims Lingard owes her a commission for arranging his move to South Korea. The garnishment has been in effect since June, affecting the payment of Lingard’s salary.
An FC Seoul official confirmed the court’s decision but noted that salary payments have continued without disruption following discussions between the club and Jung.
Lingard, 32, a former England international and Manchester United midfielder, made headlines in February 2024 when he signed with FC Seoul — a move considered unprecedented for a player of his stature in the K League. Jung is widely credited with facilitating the high-profile transfer.
The agent claims she is entitled to a ₩360 million ($260,000 USD) commission, roughly 10% of Lingard’s reported two-year salary of ₩1.82 billion ($1.3 million USD) per season. However, Lingard has disputed the payment, citing discrepancies between the terms promised by the agent and the actual conditions of his contract, including issues related to merchandising and sponsorship revenues.
Negotiations between Lingard’s representatives and Made in Football are reportedly planned in the coming days to resolve the matter.
Despite the legal turmoil, Lingard remains active with FC Seoul, having recorded 5 goals and 3 assists this season. He is currently participating in the club’s training camp in Sokcho, Gangwon Province, during the league’s mid-season break.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
