The next destination for former Manchester United playmaker Jesse Lingard has reportedly been identified as Brazilian giants Corinthians. Following his departure from South Korean side FC Seoul in December 2025, the 33-year-old midfielder has been the subject of intense speculation, but recent developments suggest a move to São Paulo is now in its final stages. According to reports from ESPN Brasil, the “Timão” have reached a verbal agreement with the Englishman and are moving swiftly to formalize a contract that would see the creative midfielder transition to South American football for the first time in his career.
A significant draw for Lingard is the opportunity to reunite with former Old Trafford teammate Memphis Depay, who has established himself as a focal point of the Corinthians attack since arriving in Brazil in 2024. The duo previously shared the pitch 31 times during the 2015–16 season in England, and their potential partnership is viewed by the club’s board as a strategic move to bolster their creative options for the ongoing 2026 Série A campaign. Lingard, who enjoyed a two-year stint in the K League, is expected to undergo medical examinations shortly as the club looks to finalize the registration process before the next transfer deadline.
“Former Manchester United attacking midfielder, Jesse Lingard’s possible next club has been revealed. According to ESPN Brasil, Lingard is in advanced talks to join Brazilian side Corinthians. The report added that Corinthians have agreed a contract with the Englishman and are hoping to finalise a deal imminently.”
Before the breakthrough in negotiations with Corinthians, Lingard had been linked with several global outfits, including a potential return to the United Kingdom and interest from Major League Soccer. Most notably, he held exploratory discussions with Clube do Remo, a historic Brazilian side that recently celebrated a return to the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A after a 31-year absence from the top flight. However, the allure of competing for silverware with Corinthians and the presence of familiar faces appears to have swayed the former England international toward the Neo Química Arena.
Lingard’s arrival in Brazil would mark another high-profile addition to the Série A, which has increasingly become a destination for seasoned European stars seeking fresh competitive challenges. For Corinthians, the signing represents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity to add international pedigree to their midfield without a transfer fee. As the 33-year-old prepares to trade Seoul for São Paulo, the focus will be on how quickly he can adapt to the physical and technical demands of Brazilian football alongside his former Manchester United compatriot.
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