Fabrizio posted:
Jesse Lingard to Corinthians, here we go! Verbal agreement done on one year deal plus option to extend. Lingard joins Corinthians as free agent despite also receiving proposals from MLS. Travel and medical next ahead of signature with Timão.
On February 27, 2026, Softfootball reported that Corinthians were in advanced negotiations to sign Lingard on a free transfer following the termination of his contract at FC Seoul in December 2025. The discussions were described as being close to completion, with the Brazilian club eager to finalize a one-year deal reportedly worth less than $1 million in salary.
Corinthians acted swiftly to counter interest from MLS clubs, with Lingard opting to decline a late offer from the U.S. in favor of joining the Brazilian side.
The São Paulo-based team is looking to enhance its roster with experienced talent as they aim to build on a strong start to the 2026 season.
Lingard will reunite with his former United teammate Memphis Depay, who is currently part of the Corinthians lineup. The two played together briefly at Old Trafford from 2015 to 2017, alongside former Arsenal defender Gabriel Paulista, who is also among the club’s established players.
Currently, Corinthians hold the third position in the Brazil Serie A standings, having achieved two wins and one draw in their first four matches, despite suffering a defeat against Novorizontino in their season opener.
Despite finishing last season in 13th place, Corinthians secured the Copa do Brasil title by edging out CR Vasco da Gama with a 2–1 aggregate score in the final, with Depay being the player who scored the crucial goal.
This transfer marks the ninth club of Lingard’s professional career. He rose through the youth ranks at Manchester United and went through loan spells at Leicester, Birmingham, Brighton, and Derby before making his mark on the first team.
Over five seasons, he made more than 200 appearances for United before moving on loan to West Ham United F.C. in January 2021, where he netted nine goals in 16 matches, which helped revitalize his prospects with the England national team.
Lingard then signed with Nottingham Forest F.C. after they gained promotion to the Premier League but faced challenges in maintaining consistent performance. Following a nine-month period without a club, he relocated internationally for the first time to FC Seoul, where he had a fruitful stint, scoring 19 goals and supplying 10 assists in 67 appearances before mutually terminating his contract.
In related news about his former club, former United midfielder Michael Carrick is being recognized for significant tactical and structural changes at Manchester United, with analysts noting marked improvements in team intensity, cohesion, and organization in recent matches.
