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Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Sun 1 March 2026 20:00, UK

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Jesse Lingard has been linked with a move to Rangers among a number of European clubs as he eyes a return to football after leaving FC Seoul.

The 33-year-old left the South Korean club after two years and is seeking to broaden his horizons in the game after his experience in the K-League.

However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, interest a move to Ibrox was never advanced with neither party especially keen.

While Rangers may have considered a move for Lingard, he was never seen as a target and no approach was made, while the player has decided against a return to Europe.

The former Man United midfielder’s agent is believed to have made contact with a number of clubs, but is now closing in on a move to Brazilian side Corinthians.

Rangers distanced from Jesse Lingard transfer rumours

Football Insider revealed on 27 February that Lingard is closing in on a move to Brazil after deciding against a return to Europe with Rangers or another club.

Dutch club Feyenoord, who are managed by former Man United star Robin van Persie, also made a move for the midfielder but eventually missed out.

Despite suggestions that a return to Ibrox was mooted in January, sources have now revealed that the deal was nowhere near close to completion.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “It doesn’t look likely that Jesse Lingard wants to return to Europe any time soon.

“He’s obviously been a free agent since leaving FC Seoul, where he had a bit of success before leaving the club as well.

“I don’t think there was much in that Rangers link. I don’t think it was a goer for anybody. I don’t think it was a go for Rangers. I don’t think it was a real go for Jesse Lingard either.

“There wasn’t much in those links with a possible move to Ibrox, it might’ve been something that was considered, but there was nothing really to it.

“I don’t think the player himself is in any real rush to return to Europe.

“He wants to continue a new challenge overseas and probably right now as things stand a move to Brazil is most likely scenario for him.”

• Read more: Rangers could be dealt a significant financial blow.

Rangers eye another free transfer after Lingard snub

Lingard’s availability as a free agent led to links with a move to Rangers as the club remain keen to act on any potential market opportunities in the near future.

As a result, Football Insider revealed on 27 February that Rangers are interested in signing Cameron Ashia from Huddersfield, who could be available this summer.

The 20-year-old is set to be out of contract at the end of the season and has not agreed new terms with the Terriers, placing a number of clubs on high alert.

Rangers believe they would be able to tempt the attacking midfielder to make the move up to Scotland and could offer him a pre-contract deal to beat rivals to his signature.

They are not the only club interested in the Huddersfield star, however, and will face stiff competition if he does not extend his stay at the Accu Stadium.