New adventure in Brazil
©IMAGO
After terminating his contract in South Korea, Jesse Lingard is moving on to Brazil. Seven-time national champions Corinthians announced the signing of the attacking midfielder until the end of the year. The contract also includes an option for an automatic extension for the 2027 season if set goals are achieved.
Before the club from São Paulo, the 33-year-old was also traded at Clube do Remo, but the veteran decided against the promoted team and for Corinthians, where he will meet, among others, his former teammate from Manchester United, Memphis Depay.
“First I saw the fans at the airport shouting ‘Let’s go, Corinthians!’ shouted. They are very passionate here, which is wonderful to see. The training center is also incredible. And the players welcomed me with open arms, including the coach, the director, it was great to get to know them. My first impression: I’m very happy and can’t wait to play,” said Lingard, who wears shirt number 77, about his first impressions. He is already training with the team and will be available as soon as all bureaucratic formalities have been cleared.
Lingard brings a lot of experience to the Brazilians. The Englishman played 232 games for his youth club Man United, plus 67 games in his last stop at FC Seoul, as well as further appearances at Leicester City, Birmingham City, Brighton, Derby Country, West Ham and Nottingham Forest. Lingard appeared on the pitch 32 times for the English national team, including at the 2018 World Cup. At 2.2 million euros, he is now a long way from his former peak market value of 40 million euros, but was until recently one of the most highly valued clubless footballers.
Lingard left South Korea at the beginning of the year, although Seoul would have liked to extend his contract with him because he saw the time had come for a new challenge. This is now in Brazil. It is the third country in which the Englishman is active.
