Ex-Man United star Lingard joins Corinthians as free agent

Former Manchester United attacking midfielder Jesse Lingard has joined Corinthians as a free agent after leaving FC Seoul.

He joins the Brazilian Serie A side for the remainder of the season, which will see him reunited with former Manchester United team-mate Memphis.

The 33-year-old had been a free agent since leaving Korean side FC Seoul after his contract expired at the end of last year, and he is set to become the first English footballer to feature in the Brazilian top flight.

The United Academy graduate had received several proposals after agreeing to a mutual contract termination with FC Seoul this January, but chose Corinthians as his preferred destination after a quick call to his former United team-mate Depay.

Corinthians are third in the Brazilian top flight after four games, with two wins, a draw, and a loss, as Lingard looks to bolster their attacking options.

Despite reported interest from MLS, Lingard will continue his career in Sao Paulo, signing a contract with Corinthians until December. He will wear the No. 77 shirt.

“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,” Lingard said.

“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 joined FC Seoul in February 2024 after seven months without a club, having been released by Nottingham Forest the year before.