Jesse Lingard’s new destination in football: the former Manchester United player will reunite with a former teammate

Brazilian football is becoming an increasingly seductive destination for players with elite European pedigrees. Driven by the economic growth of its top clubs and the fierce competitiveness of the league, the Brasileirão has transformed into a landing spot for international heavyweights.

Now, Corinthians is ready to shake up the market once again. After the global shockwaves caused by the arrival of Memphis Depay, the São Paulo-based giant is officially targeting another name with a storied Premier League past: former Manchester United star Jesse Lingard.

Negotiations are reportedly in the advanced stages, and there is a high level of confidence within the Corinthians board that the deal will be finalized soon. The club's leadership believes Lingard brings far more than just technical skill; they are looking for his leadership, experience on the world’s biggest stages, and his tactical versatility.

Lingard’s ability to play as an attacking midfielder, on either wing, or even as a "false nine" makes him a perfect fit for a squad looking to dominate both domestic and continental competitions. Interestingly, Corinthians wasn't the only Brazilian club to notice him—Remo FC, recently promoted, reportedly made inquiries early on, but the negotiations failed to gain traction.

Jesse Lingard is a household name for any Premier League fan. During his tenure at Manchester United, he clocked:

He was a vital part of the squad that captured the UEFA Europa League, the FA Cup, the League Cup, and the Community Shield. His international resume is equally impressive, with 32 caps for England, including a starring role in the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, where the Three Lions reached the semifinals.

After leaving Europe, Lingard found his rhythm again in South Korea with FC Seoul. His two seasons in the K-League were highly productive, featuring:

This resurgence has reignited his market value, proving he still has plenty of gas in the tank for a high-level competitive leap. If the move to Corinthians is confirmed, fans will witness a nostalgic reunion: Lingard would rejoin his former Manchester United teammate Memphis Depay. The duo shared the locker room at Old Trafford between 2015 and 2017, appearing together in 22 official matches.

Corinthians has until early March to finalize the paperwork for this blockbuster signing. If the deal goes through, it will further cement a clear trend in world football: Brazil is no longer just a talent exporter. By attracting names like Depay and potentially Lingard, the Brasileirão is positioning itself as a legitimate alternative to the traditional European elite.

The clock is ticking for the "Timão," but if they pull this off, the attacking duo of Depay and Lingard could be the most feared partnership in South American football.