Following his move to FC Seoul, it has been reported that Jesse Lingard rejected moves to 26 other clubs, claiming representatives from the South Korean side not only arrived armed with a contract for him to sign, but also made promises of letting him spearhead his own K-pop boy band if things go well on the pitch.
With Lingard expected to be the highest earning player in K League 1, Paddy Power News has contacted sources close to each of the 26 other clubs who were in for the former Manchester United star to find out why the talks broke down…
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1 – Spurs
He wanted no part of Richarlison’s chicken dance.
2 – Al-Ettifaq
Although rumours suggest the club didn’t offer Lingard a contract after training with them, representatives have made it clear he dumped them first. Really.
3 – Bayern Munich
Believed it would be unfair to steal Harry Kane’s place in the side, so declined the move out of respect for his former England teammate.
MUNICH, GERMANY – AUGUST 13: Harry Kane of FC Bayern München poses for a photograph whilst holding a FC Bayern München shirt after speaking to the media during an official press conference announcing his signing with the club at Presse Club of Allianz Arena on August 13, 2023 in Munich, Germany. The English National forward signed a contract with the club until 2027. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images)
4 – Newcastle
The club strictly prohibits photography in the gym unless your name is Jason Tindall. No deal.
5 – The New Saints of Oswestry Town & Llansantffraid Football Club (TNS)
Wanted the club to go back to its original name of Total Network Solutions before joining which was refused.
6 – VVV-Venlo
Didn’t believe any team with such a name could possibly exist,
7 – Harchester United
They didn’t actually exist.
8 – Manchester United
Said he’d only return to Old Trafford if they’d let Paul Pogba re-join too on an improved deal during his suspension. United’s hierarchy are believed to have considered this before Jim Ratcliffe’s 25% ownership deal was confirmed.
9 – West Ham
There is such a thing as too much Moyes.
10 – Melchester Rovers
Feared Roy Race would steal too much limelight.
11 – Inter Miami
Concerned that his long-standing rivalry with Lionel Messi as to who the true GOAT is could spill over in training, so decided against it.
12 – The King’s Head
Despite being close to joining the Sunday side, their post-game roast potatoes were not Aunt Bessie’s, which demonstrated a lack of elite-mentality.
13 – Ajax
Liked the idea raising the profile of football in the Netherlands, but Jordan Henderson beat him to it.
14 – Wrexham
Attempted to leverage a Hollywood blockbuster movie cameo out of it that would coincide with his arrival at the club, but the role of Guard #3 in the next Jurassic Park movie wasn’t deemed high-profile enough.
15 – BTS
K-Pop’s most famous band offered Jesse the chance join as a dancer, but it is believed the 31-year-old felt he still has a lot to offer on a football pitch and wasn’t ready to commit to full time pop-stardom.
16 – Celtic
Handed the chance to win the treble and be the best player in the Scottish Premiership, he decided the K-League was more prestigious.
17 – Rangers
So he wouldn’t be going to B-Tec Celtic either.
18 – Chelsea
Was keen on a deal until he learned he’d be part of the training overspill group where the 47 senior pros not in the first team squad train,
19 – Lazio
He would only consider a move to Serie A approximately 30 years ago, when all the world’s greatest players played there, so, in the absence of a time machine…
20 – Everton
Agreed to sign on condition that Sean Dyche sucks on a Fisherman’s Friend until his throat clears. Dyche refused and the deal fell apart.
21 – Renford Rejects
Secret talks are still ongoing for a possible summer move if the Seoul FC move doesn’t work out.
22 – Brisbane Roar FC
Hates spiders so all Australian clubs were ruled out from the get go.
23 – MTÜ Jalgpallikool FC Tallinn
The player had no interest in the Estonian Youth outfit as he couldn’t pronounce the name correctly.
24 – Real Madrid
The deal was scuppered by a defective fax machine.
25 – Liverpool
Wanted a player/manager role when Klopp moves on, which the Liverpool hierarchy refused.
26 – De Spin Ghar Bazan FC
With TikTok banned in Afghanistan, this move was never an option.
*Paddy Power’s football coverage is 100% made up, or is it?
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