Jesse Lingard joins Corinthians on free transfer
Jesse Lingard has joined Brazil Serie A side Corinthians on a free transfer, marking a new chapter in his career. Lingard signed a contract that will keep him at the club until the end of 2026, with an option for an additional year.
Lingard’s move to Corinthians comes after a stint at FC Seoul, where he made 67 appearances and scored 19 goals. His last season with the South Korean club ended with 13 goals in 41 appearances, showcasing his ability to find the net consistently. Lingard’s decision to join Corinthians was influenced by the passionate fan base, as he noted, “There is a lot of passion from the fans, which is wonderful to see.”
Before his time in South Korea, Lingard had a challenging season with Nottingham Forest, where he made 17 Premier League appearances without scoring a goal. His previous success at West Ham during a loan spell in 2021, where he scored nine goals and provided five assists in just 16 appearances, likely played a role in shaping his aspirations for future success.
Lingard’s transfer to Corinthians is particularly notable as he is set to become the first English footballer to feature in the Brazilian top flight, a move that highlights the growing global nature of football transfers. He rejected interest from clubs such as Wolves, Genoa, and even a return to West Ham to pursue this opportunity in Brazil.
Corinthians fans are known for their loyalty and passion for the club, which was echoed by Jose Roberto de Aquino, who stated, “Every team has supporters. Corinthians are supporters who have a team.” This environment may provide Lingard with the support he needs to revitalize his career.
Lingard’s international career has also seen a decline, as he has not played for the England national team since 2021, despite earning 32 caps prior to that year. His move to Brazil could be a pivotal moment in his quest to regain form and potentially earn a recall to the national squad.
As Lingard embarks on this new journey with Corinthians, observers will be keen to see how he adapts to the Brazilian league and whether he can replicate the success he enjoyed during his loan at West Ham. Details remain unconfirmed regarding his immediate impact on the team, but the expectations are high for the talented midfielder.
