Quick Read
- Jesse Lingard is in advanced talks to join Brazilian club Corinthians.
- The former Manchester United midfielder is a free agent since leaving FC Seoul.
- Lingard prefers a move to Brazil over offers from Europe and the United States.
- Corinthians is offering an initial 12-month deal.
- He could link up with former teammate Memphis Depay at the club.
LONDON (Azat TV) – Former England and Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard is in advanced discussions to join Brazilian top-tier club Corinthians, marking a significant potential new chapter in his career outside of European football. The 33-year-old, a free agent since his departure from South Korean side FC Seoul, is reportedly favoring a move to South America over other offers from Europe and the United States, according to reports from BBC Sport and ESPN. This development signals Lingard’s continued pursuit of new challenges abroad, following his recent stint in the K-League.
Lingard’s Corinthians Negotiations Advance
Jesse Lingard’s representatives are currently engaged in positive talks with Corinthians regarding an initial 12-month deal, sources close to the negotiations have confirmed. The Brazilian club, seven-time winners of the national league, is actively pursuing the midfielder as the Brazilian transfer window is open and the season is set to begin in March. This potential move comes after Lingard reportedly snubbed offers from several British and European sides, including Scottish club Rangers, expressing a clear preference for a non-European destination, as reported by Football Insider. He has been without a club since his contract with FC Seoul expired at the end of last year.
A Bold Move Away from Europe
Lingard’s decision to explore opportunities in Brazil underscores his desire for a fresh challenge beyond the familiar landscape of European football. After a career primarily spent in England, including a long tenure at Manchester United, he made a “bold decision” to move to South Korea in February 2024, spending almost two years with FC Seoul. While his time in the K-League was described as “unbelievable” by Lingard himself, he ultimately opted not to extend his stay, becoming a free agent in December. His current stance, as conveyed on Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, indicates he is “happy to try and play his trade elsewhere” and is “not in any real rush to return to Europe.” Brazilian clubs have shown considerable interest, making it the most likely scenario for his next landing spot.
Career Highlights and New Teammates
Jesse Lingard emerged from Manchester United’s esteemed academy, making 232 appearances for the club over an eight-year period. During his time at Old Trafford, he was part of teams that lifted the FA Cup, League Cup, and Europa League. He also earned 32 caps for England, playing a key role in the national side that reached the semifinals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Should the move to Corinthians materialize, Lingard would reunite with former Manchester United teammate Memphis Depay. The Netherlands international joined Corinthians from Atletico Madrid in 2024 and is currently in his third season with the Brazilian club, providing a familiar face in a new environment for Lingard. Corinthians currently sits fourth in the Brazilian Serie A with seven points from their opening four matches this season.
Lingard’s potential transfer to Corinthians represents more than just a club change; it signifies a growing trend of established European players seeking high-profile opportunities in emerging football markets, potentially elevating the global appeal and competitive landscape of leagues like Brazil’s Serie A.