Jesse Lingard, the former midfielder for England and Manchester United, is reportedly in advanced negotiations to sign with Brazilian club Corinthians, according to ESPN’s André Hernan and Bruno Andrade.
The 33-year-old has been a free agent since parting ways with FC Seoul at the end of last year. Lingard now seems ready to resume his career in São Paulo, despite interest from MLS.
Lingard joined FC Seoul in February 2024 after spending seven months without a club following his release from Nottingham Forest the previous year.
In a statement on Instagram, Lingard expressed, “This wasn’t an easy decision. My time in South Korea has been incredible — the football, the atmosphere, and the passion surrounding this club have been exceptional. The love, support, and appreciation you’ve shown me over the last two years have been truly amazing.”
Having risen through the youth ranks, Lingard made 232 appearances for Manchester United, winning the FA Cup, League Cup, and Europa League.
He was also a significant contributor to the England team that made it to the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup, earning 32 caps for his country.
Currently, Corinthians have accumulated seven points from their first four matches in this season’s Brazilian Serie A and include Lingard’s former Manchester United teammate, Memphis Depay.