(Credit: Imago)

Callum O'Connell

Fri 27 February 2026 17:00, UK

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Jesse Lingard is still searching for a new club after reports claimed a move to Rangers was snubbed among other clubs during the January transfer window.

The 33-year-old former Man United star is a free agent having cancelled his contract at South Korean club FC Seoul, where he spent almost two years.

A number of British and European sides, including Rangers, are believed to have considered bringing him in, and made contact with his agent, but a return is unlikely.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, Lingard is closing in on a move to Brazil in pursuit of a new challenge.

Following his time in South Korea, the midfielder is keen to broaden his horizons and prefers a move to Brazil over any potential return to Europe.

Jesse Lingard next steps revealed after Rangers links

Football Insider exclusively revealed earlier this month that Feyenoord had made enquiries about Lingard and his potential availability on a free transfer.

That move would have seen him link up with Man United legend Robin van Persie, who is the manager there, but ultimately no deal materialised.

Instead, the former England international is eyeing a move outside of Europe with Brazil tipped as the most likely destination for him.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Yeah, it doesn’t look likely that Jesse Lingard wants to return to Europe any time soon with Rangers or anybody else.

“He’s obviously a free agent, having left the South Korean side FC Seoul, where he had a bit of success as well before leaving the club.

“Lingard, it seems, is happy to try and play his trade elsewhere after he made a bold decision to make that move to South Korea.

“There is a lot of interest from Brazilian clubs in the former Man United man. Their transfer window is open and the season is starting in March as well.

“That could be the next landing spot for Lingard as he looks to continue his career. 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 set sights on summer transfer plans

Lingard is not the only player who could be available for a move to Rangers in the near future, with plans already being put in place for the summer.

Football Insider revealed on 24 February that Joel Piroe is increasingly likely to leave Leeds, with Rangers among the clubs interested in the striker.

Celtic made a surprise move for him in January which was blocked, while a number of Championship clubs are keeping tabs on his situation.

However, Rangers hope they can utilise their ownership links, with 49ers Enterprises in control at both clubs, to get ahead of their rivals for his signature.

A move was considered but not made during the January window, but as he closes in on a likely move away from Leeds, they could be tempted in the summer.