Jesse Lingard has embraced life in South America after signing a one-year deal with Brazilian club Corinthians, but a potential return to English football at Wrexham has not been ruled out. The former Manchester United midfielder, now 33, traded the K League for the bright lights of Rio de Janeiro, reuniting with ex-Old Trafford colleague Memphis Depay in the process.
Rene Meulensteen, who coached Lingard during his academy years and development at United, believes the playmaker has found an ideal environment. "The lifestyle and the samba—that's a little bit of Jesse anyway," Meulensteen told Goal exclusively. The former assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson has stayed connected with Lingard throughout his career trajectory, from his early days at the Carrington academy to his recent international adventures across Asia and South America.
Could Wrexham Tempt Him Home?
The Racecourse Ground emerged as a possibility earlier this year when Lingard left FC Seoul as a free agent, but he ultimately chose Brazil instead. Should Wrexham achieve promotion to the Premier League—a narrative captured in their documentary series—the door could reopen for the Warrington native. Meulensteen acknowledged this scenario: "Wrexham, if they make that next step, could be a possibility. He's a player with Premier League experience and big club experience."
Lingard has already etched himself into Brazilian football history as the first British player to feature in the top flight, while also scoring in domestic cup and Copa Libertadores competition. His social media presence and personal brand—known as JLingz—align with the entertainment value Wrexham has cultivated under ownership by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. However, Meulensteen cautioned that personal satisfaction matters: "It depends on how he settles, how he enjoys life. If after a year he's saying he didn't really enjoy living there, then he might consider coming back."
For now, Lingard appears contentious competing alongside Neymar in South America, though family ties and the prospect of a professional homecoming in England may eventually pull the accomplished winger back to his roots.
