Jesse Lingard officially joins Brazilian side

The football world has become increasingly global in recent years, with former Manchester United players now scattered across leagues on nearly every continent as they look to extend their careers in different environments.

Several ex-Old Trafford figures have opted for unexpected destinations after leaving England, whether chasing new challenges, passionate fanbases or simply a fresh chapter away from the spotlight of European football.

Supporters often keep a close eye on these moves too, especially when familiar faces who once played under the lights of the Premier League begin writing the next chapters of their careers elsewhere.

Now another well-known former Manchester United attacker has taken that path, making a surprising switch that few would have predicted earlier in the year.

That player is Jesse Lingard, who has officially joined Sport Club Corinthians Paulista as a free agent after departing FC Seoul in December, as announced on their website.

The 33-year-old midfielder reportedly received interest from several clubs, but a quick conversation with his former Manchester United teammate Memphis Depay helped convince him that Brazil was the right destination, with Jesse Lingard booking a flight before a verbal agreement had even been finalised.

His move will see him become the first English footballer to feature in Brazil’s top division, a remarkable milestone for a player whose career began in the youth ranks at Old Trafford.

Corinthians confirmed that Lingard has signed a deal running until the end of 2026, with an automatic extension until 2027 possible if certain performance targets are achieved.

During his time at Manchester United, Lingard made 232 appearances over eight years with the senior side after breaking through in 2016, most famously scoring the dramatic winner in the 2016 FA Cup Final against Crystal Palace.

He also represented England national football team at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, scoring once as England finished fourth in the tournament.

After leaving United in 2022, Lingard briefly joined Nottingham Forest following a successful loan spell with West Ham United in 2021 before later taking his first overseas step in South Korea with FC Seoul, but leaving at the end of last year.

Speaking after his arrival in Brazil, Lingard shared his excitement about joining the club and experiencing the passion of Corinthians supporters.

“First, I saw the fans at the airport chanting ‘Go Corinthians! Go Corinthians!’, you know? There’s a lot of passion from the fans, which is wonderful to see.

“The training center here is incredible. And the players welcomed me with open arms, the coach, the director, it was great to meet them.

“My first impressions: very happy, I can’t wait to play,” Lingard said.

Corinthians have handed the Englishman the number 77 shirt, a number that carries significance among the club’s supporters and adds extra expectation for the new arrival.

Interestingly, Lingard will only be the second player born in England to represent the Brazilian giants, following Colin Kazim-Richards, who helped Corinthians win both the Paulista Championship and the Brazilian league title in 2017 after later becoming a naturalised Turkish citizen.

The former United attacker has already begun training with his new teammates and will be available for selection once the final paperwork is completed.