Lingard Touches Down in São Paulo: Ex-Red Devil Links Up with Depay at Corinthians
Jesse Lingard has joined Corinthians on a free transfer until 2026, reuniting with Memphis Depay and aiming to boost their Brasileirão attack. The ex-Manchester United star, fresh from FC Seoul, shared positive first impressions after training debut, but needs reconditioning post-layoff. Global media, including Man United and Fabrizio Romano, hailed the move for the 33-year-old midfielder.
Lingard Lands with Corinthians: A New Chapter in Brazil
Picture this: Jesse Lingard, the lad who once danced his way through Old Trafford celebrations, has swapped the drizzle of Manchester for the samba beats of São Paulo. At 33, he's penned a deal with Corinthians until the end of 2026, with a cheeky extension option to 2027 if he hits his targets. Free transfer from FC Seoul, and he'll rock the number 77 shirt – because why not keep that lucky digit going?
He touched down on Sunday, ticked off the medicals Monday, and by Thursday was strutting his stuff at the CT Dr. Joaquim Grava training ground. Corinthians reckon he's their seventh signing this year, bolstering an attack that's already got the Timão faithful buzzing. Third in the Brasileirão after four games – two wins, a draw, one loss – and now Lingard's here to spice things up.
From Academy Lad to Global Wanderer
Lingard's tale is pure footy fairy tale stuff. Academy product at Manchester United, he lifted the FA Youth Cup in 2011 and cut his teeth on loans at Leicester, Birmingham, Brighton, and Derby – smashing in four on debut for the Blues, no less. Knee knock-back in 2014, but he bounced to net the FA Cup final winner against Palace in 2016.
Prime time under José Mourinho: 42 games in 2016/17, then 13 goals and 7 assists the next, earning a World Cup nod where he bagged one against Panama as England hit fourth. Dips followed, but that West Ham loan in 2021? Magic – 9 goals, 4 assists in 16 starts. Nottingham Forest was quieter, then off to FC Seoul in February 2024. Overcame fitness woes and knee surgery to captain them, rattling up 19 goals and 11 assists in 67 outings before waving goodbye in December.
232 United caps, 35 goals, 21 assists, winners' medals in FA Cup, League Cup, Europa League, Community Shield – and goals in three finals. Blimey, the man's got silverware!
Reunion Buzz and What's Next
Hold onto your hats: he's reuniting with old United mate Memphis Depay, who's been tearing it up at Corinthians since 2024. Man United themselves gave a nod on socials, recapping his career and embedding the announcement vid. International eyes lit up too – Sky Sports called it live, The Telegraph hyped the Depay link (Copa do Brasil champs, Libertadores contenders), and Fabrizio Romano rubber-stamped it as official.
Paperwork's ticking through CBF's BID system, but no action since December 2025, so expect a reconditioning stint. Unlikely for the Coritiba clash next Wednesday at Neo Química Arena. Still, with passion oozing from the stands – Lingard's first impressions nailed it – this could be his swansong adventure. Imagine the flair, the tricks, the Lingardance under floodlights. Pub pint says he'll bang 'em in. What's your take, lads?