Depay's call brought Lingard to Corinthians

Memphis Depay picked up the phone, and Jesse Lingard booked a flight to São Paulo.

Corinthians have confirmed the signing of Lingard on a free transfer following his departure from FC Seoul. His contract runs until the end of 2026, with an automatic extension of one year if he meets specified targets. He turned down an offer from MLS to take the deal.

The move is built on a friendship. Lingard and Depay were team-mates at Manchester United — Depay was at the club from 2015 to 2017 — and when Corinthians came into the picture, it was Depay who closed it. Lingard has said those conversations were the deciding factor. Lingard says Depay told him: 'It's the biggest club in Brazil' — and described the supporters and their passion to him.

Depay has been at Corinthians since September 2024, when he joined after leaving Atlético Madrid and made his debut on 21 September 2024. He has given Lingard a direct account of what the club is, and Lingard took it seriously enough to choose São Paulo over North America.

Depay's standing in the game is not in question. In September 2025, still a Corinthians player, he became the Netherlands' all-time top scorer. A brace against Lithuania in a World Cup qualifier took him to 52 international goals, passing Robin van Persie's previous record of 50. When Lingard's signing was confirmed, Depay welcomed him publicly on Instagram.

Lingard's own career has covered considerable ground. He came through Manchester United's academy, represented England, and was part of the squad at the 2018 World Cup. He spent roughly two years at FC Seoul in South Korea before this move to Brazil.

Corinthians play their home matches at the Neo Quimica Arena in São Paulo. That is where Lingard and Depay will share a pitch again — this time in the Brasileirão rather than the Premier League.