Jesse Lingard Signs for Corinthians, Citing Depay Advice as Deciding Factor

Key facts

• Jesse Lingard signed for Corinthians after receiving advice from former Manchester United teammate Memphis Depay.
• Corinthians won a third consecutive Women's Copa Libertadores title.
• Former Brazil coach Dorival Júnior took over Corinthians until the end of 2026.
• Corinthians host Peñarol in the Copa Libertadores on Friday at Neo Química Arena.
• Corinthians won 1-0 against Vasco in the Brasileirão Série A on April 26, 2026.
• Peñarol lost 1-0 to Montevideo Wanderers in their last match.
• Corinthians have several injuries, including Kayke Ferrari (collateral ligament tear) and Nahuel Herrera (shoulder injury).
• Matheuzinho is suspended due to five bookings.

Lingard's Arrival and the Depay Factor

Jesse Lingard, the former England and Manchester United forward, has signed for Brazilian club Corinthians, a move that surprised many in the football world. Lingard revealed that advice from his former Manchester United teammate Memphis Depay was the 'deciding factor' in his decision to join the São Paulo-based club. Depay, who himself joined Corinthians earlier, has become the most popular player in Brazil, according to recent reports. Lingard also disclosed that he has been in contact with Neymar following the surprise transfer. The Englishman's arrival adds a new dimension to Corinthians' attack as they compete on multiple fronts, including the Copa Libertadores and the Brasileirão Série A.

Corinthians' Recent Form and Key Matches

Corinthians are set to host Peñarol this Friday at the Neo Química Arena in a Copa Libertadores group stage match. In their most recent fixture, Corinthians secured a 1-0 victory over Vasco in the Brasileirão Série A on April 26, 2026. The team fielded a lineup including Kauê Camargo, Raniele, Gustavo Henrique, Gabriel Paulista, Matheus Bidu, Allan, André, Breno Bidon, Rodrigo Garro, Vitinho, and Yuri Alberto. Peñarol, meanwhile, lost 1-0 to Montevideo Wanderers in the Uruguay League on the same day. The last meeting between the two sides ended in a 4-0 victory for Peñarol, a result Corinthians will be eager to overturn.

Injury and Suspension Concerns

Corinthians face several absences ahead of the Peñarol clash. Matheuzinho is suspended after accumulating five bookings. Kayke Ferrari is sidelined with a collateral ligament tear, while Nahuel Herrera is out with a shoulder injury. These absences could test the squad depth as Corinthians navigate a congested fixture list. Peñarol, for their part, have no reported suspensions or injuries from their last match, where they fielded Washington Aguerre, Kevin Rodríguez, Franco Escobar, Mauricio Lemos, Diego Laxalt, Eric Remedi, Nicolás Fernández, Leandro Umpiérrez, Abel Hernández, Matías Arezo, and Gastón Togni.

Coaching Changes and Off-Field Developments

Former Brazil coach Dorival Júnior has taken over Corinthians until the end of 2026, replacing the previous management. This coaching change comes amid a period of transition for the club. Meanwhile, former Brazil coach Tite has decided to pause his career to take a mental health break, a decision that underscores the pressures of top-level football. In other developments, Brazilian soccer player was suspended for 12 games after making sexist remarks about a female referee. Additionally, secret negotiations with Chelsea were revealed as the reason behind Filipe Luís's shock sacking as Flamengo coach, despite an 8-0 victory. Luís had previously led Flamengo to a Copa Libertadores title.

Women's Team Success and Other Stories

Corinthians' women's team won a third consecutive Women's Copa Libertadores title, cementing their dominance in South American women's football. In a related match, Arsenal defeated Corinthians 3-2 in the first Women's Champions Cup, with Caitlin Foord scoring the extra-time winner. Other notable stories involving Corinthians include Taylor Swift being described as a good luck charm for the team hosting Travis Kelce's first game in Brazil. Additionally, injured Neymar faced criticism for missing a semifinal with Santos after celebrating Carnival, while David Luiz's surprise move to Pafos in Cyprus was highlighted ahead of his Champions League return to Stamford Bridge.

Outlook and Stakes

With Lingard's arrival and Depay's popularity, Corinthians have bolstered their attacking options as they aim for success in the Copa Libertadores and domestic competitions. The upcoming match against Peñarol is a crucial test, especially given the historical 4-0 defeat in their last encounter. The team will need to overcome injuries and suspensions to secure a positive result. Off the pitch, the club is navigating coaching changes and broader controversies in Brazilian football. The women's team's continued success provides a bright spot, while the men's team seeks to build momentum under Dorival Júnior. The coming weeks will reveal whether Corinthians can translate their star power into silverware.

The bottom line

• Jesse Lingard's transfer to Corinthians was influenced by Memphis Depay's advice, and Lingard has since contacted Neymar.
• Corinthians host Peñarol in the Copa Libertadores on Friday, with both teams coming off 1-0 results in their last matches.
• Key players Matheuzinho (suspended), Kayke Ferrari (injured), and Nahuel Herrera (injured) are unavailable for Corinthians.
• Dorival Júnior has been appointed Corinthians coach until the end of 2026, replacing the previous regime.
• Corinthians women's team won a third consecutive Women's Copa Libertadores title, while the men's team seeks consistency.
• The club faces a challenging period with injuries, suspensions, and coaching changes, but the arrival of Lingard and Depay's form offer hope.