Jesse Lingard joins new club three months after terminating contract

Jesse Lingard has joined Brazilian club Corinthians, three months after terminating his contract at FC Seoul.

The former Manchester United midfielder’s arrival was announced on Friday, with the Sao Paolo side securing his signature amid interest from the MLS and Spain.

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After deciding his future lies in Brazil, Lingard has now penned an initial contract until the end of 2026.

Also included in the deal is an automatic renewal clause that could see him extend his stay with the side for another year.

Lingard rejected the chance to join Remo, who recently booked their spot in the Brazilian top flight for the first time in 31 years.

By joining Corinthians, the 32-cap England international becomes the first-ever English player to play in the Brazilian top flight.

The move is also seeing him link up with former Man United teammate Memphis Depay at the seven-time national champions.

Back in the game

33-year-old Lingard had been without a club since leaving South Korean club FC Seoul in December.

He spent a little under two years in the K-League, registering 19 goals and ten assists in 67 appearances.

It enabled him to resurrect his career after a difficult year-long spell at Nottingham Forest.

Following his FC Seoul exit, Lingard was expected to return to English football for family reasons, but a move in the January transfer window failed to materialise.

Championship teams Middlesbrough, Coventry City, and Ipswich Town were understood to be interested in signing him.

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Doubts revealed

Lingard’s former manager at FC Seoul, Kim Ki-dong, recently expressed his doubts over Lingard’s future in English football, before he opted to head to Brazil.

At this week’s K-League media day, he said: “I asked Lingard if he had a club to go to before leaving, but he said there was no set destination.

“It’s quite strange. I asked how he could leave without having a team to join. In Korea, we created a team for him to join and then he left.

“He seemed to believe that because the European market is large, he could find a team any time.

“That’s why he wanted to go to a bigger place and live closer to his daughter. But if that’s the case, why not stay here?”

When announcing his exit from FC Seoul in December, Lingard wrote: “This wasn’t an easy decision. My time in South Korea has been unbelievable – the football, the atmosphere, and the passion around this club have been top-class.

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“The love, support and the appreciation you have shown towards me for these last two years has been truly amazing.

“Playing football here has been an unforgettable experience and one I will always value.

“I want to thank FC Seoul, my teammates, the staff, and everyone associated at the club for trusting me and welcoming me from day one.

“I’ll always be grateful for the opportunity to play for such a massive club.”

Corinthians are one of the most recognised non-European clubs in world football, having been champions of Brazil on 31 occasions.

They have also won two FIFA Club World Cups and have previously had iconic players, including Socrates, Rivelino, Ronaldo Nazario and Carlos Tevez in their roster.