Jesse Lingard (34) has finally found a new team. He left Korea and set foot on Brazilian soil on the other side of the world.
Brazilian outlet Globo reported on the 1st (Korean time) that "Lingard has arrived in Brazil. He will undergo a medical test and sign a contract to join Corinthians."
The outlet said, "England-born 33-year-old midfielder Jesse Lingard arrived at Guarulhos airport early Sunday. After undergoing a medical test, he is expected to sign a contract with Corinthians that runs through Dec. 2026. Lingard was a free agent after leaving FC Seoul at the end of last year."
The official announcement date has already taken shape. Globo explained, "Lingard signed a pre-contract on Saturday, and the club arranged the trip to Brazil to finalize the contract. If all procedures go smoothly, the official announcement is expected to be made on Monday."
Lingard's move to Corinthians accelerated within days. A product of Manchester United's youth system, he was once a regular for Manchester United and the England national team and surprised everyone when he joined Seoul abruptly in 2024. He accepted Seoul's offer because the club showed genuine support during a difficult time.
At first there were skeptical views about Lingard's surprise move to the K League. However, he integrated well into Seoul and in his debut season played 26 matches, scoring six goals and providing three assists. Above all, Lingard won many fans with his excellent skills and exemplary attitude. In the 2025 season he even wore the captain's armband and led the team, recording 10 goals and four assists in 34 league matches and achieving double-digit goals in a single season for the first time in his career.
Naturally, FC Seoul wanted to continue its relationship with Lingard. But Lingard wanted to leave Korea for a new challenge, and Seoul respected his wishes and decided not to hold him back. After the Melbourne match he tearfully said goodbye to Seoul fans. After leaving the team, he was also named Seoul's player of the year for 2025.
Now a free agent again, Lingard sought a return to Europe's big leagues. But it did not go as planned. It is reported that he rejected offers from more than seven clubs, including his former club West Ham United, as well as Middlesbrough, Coventry City, Ipswich Town from the English Championship, and Scottish clubs Celtic and Rangers.
Later, Lingard drew interest from Serie A teams and the Dutch club Feyenoord, but none of those leads resulted in an actual transfer. Because of this, FC Seoul coach Kim Ki-dong expressed regret, saying, "The market is big, so players are confident and feel they can find a team anytime. So they go to bigger places, wanting to be closer to their daughters. If that's the case, they shouldn't be here."
Lingard, who had been knocking on Europe's door, abruptly shifted his destination to Brazil. He was reportedly close to signing with another Brazilian club, Hemu, rather than Corinthians, but now he is on the verge of signing with Corinthians. Because Corinthians is one of Brazil's most popular clubs, it could be a better opportunity than Hemu.
Lingard could have joined Major League Soccer and competed against Son Heung-min (LAFC). But he ultimately chose to go to Brazil.
European transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano said, "Lingard is heading to Corinthians. A verbal agreement has been reached on a one-year contract with a one-year extension option. He received offers from MLS clubs, but he will join Corinthians as a free agent," and shouted, Here we go!
Having already arrived in Brazil, Lingard expressed his joy. Welcomed by Corinthians football director Renan Bloise, he was reserved about explaining why he chose to join Corinthians, saying, "I'll say it later," but when asked if he was happy he replied, "Of course. Of course." Lingard also shouted the traditional chant, "Let's go, Corinthians!"
Corinthians also have high expectations for Lingard. According to ESPN Brazil, the club values his extensive experience on the European stage, especially in the Premier League.
Globo also reported, "Lingard passed Corinthians' board review for the signing. He also received approval from coach Dorival Júnior. He was offered to several clubs domestically and abroad, including Hemu in Brazil, but ultimately chose Corinthians. Lingard spent about 20 years at Manchester United, including his youth career."
There is also a familiar face at Corinthians. Another former Manchester United forward, Memphis Depay, is playing there. Lingard and Depay were teammates when Lingard played 31 matches for Manchester United in the 2015-2016 season.
[Photo] Globo, Lingard, Romano social media.
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