Jesse Lingard: What Happened to the Former Manchester United Star

Jesse Lingard’s career has taken more twists than most. The former Manchester United playmaker, once a fixture in England’s national team, has gone from Old Trafford exile to leading FC Seoul in South Korea, and now finds himself in Brazil with Corinthians.

Age: 33 ·
Current club: Corinthians ·
Market value: €2.00m

Seven facts about Lingard, one pattern: his career has been a constant readjustment of expectations.

What has happened to Jesse Lingard?

Jesse Lingard’s move to FC Seoul

• Lingard left Manchester United in 2022 after his contract expired (Wikipedia).
• He joined FC Seoul in 2024, a surprise move to the K League (Fox Sports/AP).
• During his time in Korea, he played in the Asian elite champions league (Fox Sports/AP).

The implication: Lingard’s career arc proves that top-level footballers can find a new rhythm outside the European spotlight. His move to Seoul was followed by a quick transition to Brazil.

Jesse Lingard’s current club Corinthians

• Corinthians announced Lingard on 6 March 2026, with a deal running until the end of 2026 and an option to extend to 2027 (Fox Sports/AP).
• He joined on a free transfer from FC Seoul (Sky Sports).
• ESPN reported he will wear the No. 77 shirt (ESPN).

Why did Lingard go to Korea?

Seeking regular playing time

• Lingard joined FC Seoul to get more minutes after limited opportunities at Manchester United (Fox Sports/AP).
• He performed well in Korea, reportedly earning 1.95 billion won in the 2025 season (The Chosun Ilbo English).

A new challenge in the K League

• The move was a surprise to many, but Lingard embraced the K League culture (Sky Sports).
• His salary at FC Seoul ranked second among foreign players in K League 1 in 2025 (The Chosun Ilbo English).

What this means: Lingard’s decision to go east was a pragmatic move to restart his career. He played regularly and earned well, setting the stage for a return to a higher-profile league.

Why did Lingard leave Manchester United?

Contract expiration and lack of playing time

• Lingard’s contract expired in June 2022 (Wikipedia).
• He was not offered a new deal by United (Wikipedia).
• He had loan spells at West Ham (2021) where he impressed, but could not secure a permanent spot at Old Trafford (Wikipedia).

Relationship with Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Ralf Rangnick

• Under Solskjær and later Rangnick, Lingard rarely featured (Wikipedia).
• His relationship with the club soured, leading to his departure on a free transfer (Wikipedia).

The pattern: Lingard’s talent was never in doubt, but his fit in United’s system was inconsistent. The club chose to move on, and Lingard chose to rebuild elsewhere.

How much is Jesse Lingard getting paid?

Jesse Lingard’s salary at Corinthians

• Lingard’s current salary is not publicly disclosed, but multiple reports provide estimates (MKT Esportivo).
• Brazilian outlet MKT Esportivo reported he would receive approximately R$700,000 per month (MKT Esportivo).
• Jorge Nicola via eotimedopovo claimed Lingard would receive 100,000 euros per month tax-free (eotimedopovo / Jorge Nicola).
• The Chosun Ilbo reported a similar figure of 100,000 euros per month, roughly 1.2 million euros annually (The Chosun Ilbo English).

Jesse Lingard’s net worth

• His previous salary at Manchester United was £115,000 per week (Wikipedia).
• His net worth is estimated between $10-20 million (Wikipedia).

Are Rashford and Lingard still friends?

Recent reunion in Seoul

• Marcus Rashford visited Lingard in Seoul in 2024, posting a reunion on social media (Metro).
• Rashford’s caption “Just like old times” confirmed their bond (Metro).

Their friendship from Manchester United academy

• They have been friends since childhood, coming through the Manchester United academy together (Wikipedia).
• They played together at Manchester United for several seasons (Wikipedia).

Why this matters: In a sport where player relationships often fade after transfers, the Lingard-Rashford friendship has endured. It’s a rare example of genuine camaraderie that transcends club changes.

Timeline: Lingard’s career moves

• 2011-2022 – Manchester United first-team career (Wikipedia)
• 2021 (Jan-May) – Loan to West Ham United (Wikipedia)
• 2022 (June) – Left Manchester United upon contract expiry (Wikipedia)
• 2024 – Joined FC Seoul in the K League (Fox Sports/AP)
• 2025 – Moved to Corinthians in Brazil (Fox Sports/AP)
• 2024-2025 – Reunited with Marcus Rashford in Seoul (Metro)

What we know for sure

In his own words

“First Asian elite champions league game. Assist. 3pts. Amazing team performance.”

— Jesse Lingard, via Instagram (as reported by Fox Sports/AP)

“Just like old times.”

— Marcus Rashford, during Seoul reunion (as reported by Metro)

“Lingard’s move to Korea was a surprise, but he has proven he can perform anywhere.”

— Sky Sports analysis (Sky Sports)

“He is a player who needed a fresh start, and he got it.”

— ge.globo report on Corinthians negotiations (ge.globo)

Jesse Lingard’s career is far from over. At 33, he has found a new home in Brazil, with a club that values his experience and flair. The challenge for Corinthians is to harness his creativity in a league that demands consistency. For Lingard, the choice is clear: prove that his best years are still ahead, or risk being remembered as a player who never quite fulfilled his potential.

For a detailed breakdown of his time in Brazil, check out this guide on Jesse Lingards Corinthians move.

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