It is not easy to keep up with the career development of Jesse Lingard. Hailed as one of Manchester United’s greatest attacking talents, then came the fall of bench life, a move to Nottingham Forest without delivering, and the former England international ended up in the K-League for FC Seoul. All the way, Lingard has nevertheless cashed in gigantic salaries. Then came the desire to return to the ball island, but here the doors were closed. Now it’s off to a new continent.
Without a club since December, Jesse Lingard has reportedly come a long way in negotiations for a big free transfer.
If nothing unexpected comes along, Jesse Lingard will be reunited with a former Manchester United teammate.
Lingard has been without a club since December, when he left South Korean club FC Seoul after two seasons with 19 goals in 67 games.
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The 33-year-old posted a statement in which he confirmed that he and FC Seoul “mutually agreed” on his departure after they tried to tie him down to a contract extension, but that his stay in Asia was “an unforgettable experience and one I will always cherish”.
Lingard has been linked with a number of clubs since his departure, with a total of seven clubs reportedly rejecting the former England midfielder – including West Ham, Burnley and both Celtic and Rangers.
He has also had talks with Brazilian club Rema following their promotion to the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A, and there is interest from MLS clubs.
But now, Lingard seems to be nearing a big move to Corinthians, one of the biggest clubs in Brazil.
Both ESPN Brazil and Globo report that negotiations are in the final phase for Lingard to sign a one-year contract. Lingard’s talks with Rema did not progress and opened the door for Corinthians, and the club’s board is due to meet with manager Dorival Junior and his coaching staff in the coming hours to inform them of the status of the deal.
Lingard looks set to reunite with former teammate Memphis Depay, and the two made 31 appearances together in the 2015/16 season at United.
The Dutchman joined the São Paulo giants in 2024, signing a two-year contract after leaving Atletico Madrid.
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Depay has scored 19 goals in 73 appearances for Corinthians, including the winning goal in the Copa do Brasil final against Vasco da Gama.
The triumph, together with the victory in the Campeonato Paulista, meant that Corinthians secured qualification for the Copa Libertadores.
Former Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista and former Watford winger Andre Carillo will be Lingard’s teammates at Corinthians.
Corinthians are currently third in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A, with seven points from four games.
