SON & Partners, a law firm distinguished for its leadership in sports law and international player transfers, provided comprehensive legal counsel in connection with England international Jesse Lingard’s landmark move to FC Seoul in the K League.

A Historic Move for Asian Football

Lingard, who established his career at Manchester United and later played for West Ham United, has earned 32 caps and scored 6 goals for the England national team. His decision to continue his career in Korea marks one of the most prominent football transfers in Asia in recent years.

The transaction was successfully concluded under the direction of Sooho Son, Managing Partner of SON & Partners, in close cooperation with Bisu Jung, President of Made in Football (active in Portugal and Dubai), and Sung-ju Kang, FIFA-licensed agent and a member of the firm’s Sports Law Team. Together, the parties ensured that all contractual, regulatory, and compliance matters were addressed with precision.

Global Expertise in Sports Law and Business

While football has featured prominently in many of the firm’s landmark cases, SON & Partners’ sports law practice extends across multiple disciplines. The firm has acted for athletes, clubs, and agents in football, baseball, basketball, volleyball, rugby, and other sports, advising on transfer negotiations, contractual arrangements, image rights, sponsorships, and disciplinary proceedings.

The Lingard transfer exemplifies this breadth of expertise: SON & Partners was not merely an advisor, but the legal team leading and orchestrating one of the most significant international football deals involving the K League, reinforcing its standing in both domestic and global sports law.

Commitment to Athletes Across Disciplines

SON & Partners continues to serve as a trusted legal partner to professional athletes across a wide range of sports, delivering tailored counsel on contracts, compliance, and disputes, while safeguarding their careers and reputations both on and off the field.

Looking forward, the firm will maintain its close cooperation with distinguished agents including Bisu (Hyun-jung) Jung, Sung-ju Kang, and Pedro to facilitate the entry of elite international players into Korean leagues, while simultaneously supporting the overseas advancement of Korea’s most promising talents.

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SON & Partners
Sports Law & Management Research Center
Sooho Son, Ph.D. (Law)