Jesse Lingard is nearing his next career step, according to reports, after it has been suggested that seven clubs – including West Ham, Celtic and Middlesbrough – turned down the opportunity to sign him.
Back in December, Lingard agreed to terminate his contract with K League club FC Seoul.
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The 33-year-old, an attacking midfielder who joined the South Korean club in February 2024 after a brief stint at Nottingham Forest, made 65 appearances for the K League club and scored 18 goals.
Three months later, Lingard is still clubless, although he seems to be on the verge of joining the little-known Brazilian club Remo.
A report from Globo suggests that an ‘offer is on the table’ from Remo and that ‘negotiations have progressed’ after talks.
“Discussions have been going on for weeks,” the report added. “In the last few days, negotiations have progressed, with a good chance that the player will sign a contract with the club for the rest of the season.”
Remo is located in Brazil’s top division and is just above the relegation line after three games played.
Seven clubs turned down the chance to sign Lingard
Lingard offered his services to a handful of clubs in England, including Premier League clubs Burnley and West Ham.
The former Manchester United academy product had a productive loan spell at West Ham in 2021, scoring nine goals in 16 Premier League appearances from the start, but the Hammers turned down the opportunity to sign Lingard in January after talks, according to TEAMtalk.
A handful of Championship clubs, including Coventry, Middlesbrough and Ipswich, also said no, along with Scottish Premiership sides Rangers and Celtic.
Celtic reportedly considered signing Lingard in the January window before deciding to strike another free agent, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who scored a decisive goal in injury time on his debut.
South American expert gives his opinion on Lingard talks with Remo
Speaking to talkSPORT, South American football pundit Tim Vickery gave his assessment of Remo’s surprising move for Lingard.
“Three rounds into the Brazilian championship, they have two draws and one loss. It’s a tough job you go to, Jesse Lingard,” he said.
“If you’re going to go there, it’s a tough job. Firstly, because you’re going to be fighting relegation all year round. Second, look at the map. The heartland of Brazilian football is in the southeast. Rio, Sao Paulo and Belo Horizonte.
“Remo, where they are, almost every away game is like a four-hour flight. Brazil is huge.”
Vickery added, “So there are easier ways to make your money than signing for Remo.”
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