Jesse Lingard signs pre-contract with Corinthians as executive highlights his keen interest | OneFootball

Corinthians are close to confirming their seventh signing of 2026 after Jesse Lingard signed a pre-contract and flew in to complete formalities. The English midfielder landed at Guarulhos on Sunday, a day after agreeing terms, ahead of signing a deal through to the end of 2026.

Executive Marcelo Paz said the player took a hands-on role during talks. "He was always speaking to me, not about numbers or contract length, that was with his representatives. He would ask how things were going, say he would watch the match and then message me about it," he told ge.globo.

Paz said Lingard followed fixtures on his own initiative. "He knew the matches, messaged me, and said, 'good that you won' against Athletico-PR."

A Manchester United academy graduate, Lingard made 235 appearances for the club, scoring 35 goals with 21 assists, and won the Europa League, FA Cup, League Cup and Community Shield. He has 32 caps for England, including the 2018 World Cup.

"He really wanted to sign with Corinthians. There were opportunities elsewhere, but his desire was Corinthians," Paz said.

The announcement is imminent, with bespoke content already recorded at the Neo Química Arena on Monday. Corinthians have already brought in Gabriel Paulista, Pedro Milans, Matheus Pereira, Allan, Zakaria Labyad and Kaio César, and they await goalkeeper João Ricardo’s medicals. The club have also confirmed the return of left-back Fabrizio Angileri.

Source: Meu Timao