Jesse Lingard has reached an agreement to join Corinthians, a move that will see him become the first Englishman ever to feature in Brazil’s top division.
The 33-year-old former Manchester United midfielder touched down in Brazil on Sunday morning ahead of completing his medical with the São Paulo-based outfit.
Lingard will put pen to paper on a twelve-month contract that includes the option of a further year’s extension.
The England international, who has earned 32 caps for his country, made his decision despite receiving approaches from clubs in both MLS and Spain, while also turning down newly-promoted Brazilian side Remo.
The move to South America comes three months after Lingard terminated his contract with FC Seoul, leaving him without a club since December.
During his stint in the K-League, which lasted just under two years, the midfielder enjoyed a productive spell, netting 19 goals and providing ten assists across 67 matches.
His time in South Korea proved instrumental in reviving his career following a challenging 12-month period at Nottingham Forest.
Jesse Lingard will reunite with Memphis Depay
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PA
After departing Seoul, many anticipated Lingard would return to England, with family considerations believed to be a priority.
However, no transfer materialised during the January window despite reported interest from Championship sides Middlesbrough, Coventry City and Ipswich Town.
At Corinthians, Lingard will be reunited with Memphis Depay, his former teammate from their time together at Old Trafford.
Five facts about the Premier League | PA/GETTY/REUTERS/GBNEWS
The Dutch forward joined the Brazilian giants last year, and the pair will now link up once again in São Paulo.
Lingard’s path to Corinthians saw him weigh up multiple options from across the globe.
Interest arrived from Major League Soccer in the United States, while Spanish clubs also made enquiries about the veteran midfielder.
Closer to home, several second-tier English clubs expressed their desire to bring him back to domestic football.
Middlesbrough, Coventry City and Ipswich Town were all reportedly keen on securing his signature during the winter transfer period.
Kim Ki-dong, Lingard’s former manager at FC Seoul, voiced his bewilderment at the midfielder’s departure from South Korea without having secured his next destination.
Jesse Lingard’s last club in England was Nottingham Forest | PA
Speaking at this week’s K-League media day, he said: “I asked Lingard if he had a club to go to before leaving, but he said there was no set destination.
“It’s quite strange. I asked how he could leave without having a team to join. In Korea, we created a team for him to join and then he left.
“He seemed to believe that because the European market is large, he could find a team any time.
“That’s why he wanted to go to a bigger place and live closer to his daughter. But if that’s the case, why not stay here?”
