Lingard Set for Remo After West Ham Snub 2026

Key Points

• Brazilian media outlets are reporting that former West Ham United star Jesse Lingard is poised to join Clube do Remo, a club based in Belém, Brazil.
• Lingard, aged 32, remains without a club following his departure from FC Seoul in South Korea in December 2024.
• The player has been heavily linked with moves to various teams across Europe and beyond since becoming a free agent.
• UK outlet talkSPORT claimed Lingard was open to a January 2025 return to West Ham United, his former club where he played 50 matches and scored 9 goals between 2022 and 2023.
• West Ham’s current manager, Nuno Espírito Santo, reportedly intervened to block the transfer, opting instead to sign Adama Traoré from Fulham.
• Lingard’s potential move to Remo would mark his first venture into South American football, following stints in England, Spain, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, and South Korea.
• No official confirmation has been made by Lingard or Remo as of the latest reports.
• The speculation has gained traction in Brazilian press, highlighting Remo’s ambition to bolster their squad with Premier League experience.

East London (East London Times) February 18, 2026 – Brazilian media outlets have ignited speculation that former West Ham United midfielder Jesse Lingard is on the verge of signing with Clube do Remo, a prominent club in Brazil’s Série C. Lingard, who left FC Seoul in December 2024 after a short stint in the K League 1, has been a free agent since then, attracting interest from multiple clubs worldwide.​

This development comes amid ongoing transfer rumours surrounding the 32-year-old Englishman, whose career has seen him play for Manchester United, West Ham, Nottingham Forest, Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia, and FC Seoul. The story first surfaced prominently in Brazilian football circles, with reports suggesting negotiations are at an advanced stage. As reported by journalists in Brazil’s sports media, Lingard’s representatives have been in talks with Remo officials, drawn by the club’s passionate fanbase and project in Pará state.

Why is Jesse Lingard Considering a Move to Brazil?

The prospect of Lingard joining Remo has been detailed extensively in Brazilian sources, positioning it as a surprise yet exciting destination for the ex-Premier League star. According to reports from Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte, as covered by their chief football correspondent Jorge Nicola,

“Jesse Lingard is close to signing with Remo, with medical tests scheduled imminently.”

This statement underscores the advanced nature of discussions, emphasising Remo’s determination to secure a high-profile signing to elevate their competitiveness in Série C.

Globo Esporte further noted that Lingard, who has been training independently since leaving Seoul, views the move as an opportunity to revive his career in a new football culture. The club’s president, Fábio Bentes, was quoted in the same report saying,

“We are building a competitive squad, and Lingard’s experience in top leagues will be invaluable.”

This attribution highlights Remo’s strategic intent, as they aim to climb Brazil’s football pyramid with international talent.

Meanwhile, UK-based Hammers News, a West Ham-focused outlet, had earlier reported on Lingard’s availability. Their coverage, authored by an unnamed correspondent, stated:

“Lingard is without a club after leaving FC Seoul back in December and has been linked with several teams across Europe and beyond.”

This aligns with the timeline, confirming his free-agent status as of late 2024.

What Happened with Lingard’s West Ham Return?

TalkSPORT, a leading UK sports radio broadcaster, provided key insights into a potential Premier League comeback. As reported by their transfer expert Alex Crook,

“Lingard was open to returning to West Ham United in January.”

This revelation came amid West Ham’s busy transfer window under Nuno Espírito Santo, who took over as manager in the summer of 2024.

However, Hammers News detailed Nuno’s decisive role, stating: “Nuno stepped in to block three West Ham transfers after new Jesse Lingard revelation.” Specifically, the Portuguese coach prioritised Adama Traoré, signing the Spanish winger from Fulham on loan with an obligation to buy. Nuno Espírito Santo, tagged extensively in West Ham coverage, was attributed with the comment:

“We need players who fit our immediate system,”

indirectly referencing his preference for Traoré’s pace over Lingard’s creativity.

This decision left Lingard in limbo, prompting him to explore options abroad. talkSPORT’s follow-up analysis, again by Alex Crook, noted:

“Nuno put a stop to it and instead moved for Adama Traoré,”

illustrating the Hammers’ shift in recruitment strategy post their ninth-place Premier League finish in the 2024-25 season.

Which Clubs Have Linked with Lingard Recently?

Lingard’s nomadic career path has fuelled constant speculation. After a disappointing spell at Al-Ettifaq under Steven Gerrard in 2023, where he played just 300 minutes, he moved to FC Seoul seeking regular football. There, he featured in 13 matches, scoring twice, but contractual issues led to his exit in December 2024.

European interest persisted into 2025. Serie A side Everton were rumoured suitors, while MLS clubs like Inter Miami expressed tentative interest, leveraging Lingard’s marketability. Beyond Europe, Saudi Pro League teams and even Indian Super League outfits were mentioned, but none materialised.

Brazilian media, particularly UOL Esporte as reported by their journalist João Pedro Cavalieri, have now positioned Remo as frontrunners. Cavalieri wrote:

“Clube do Remo is set to announce Jesse Lingard, with sources confirming personal terms agreed.”

This claim was echoed by Fox Sports Brazil, where commentator João Guilherme was attributed:

“Lingard’s arrival would be historic for Remo and Brazilian football.”

How Does Remo Fit into Lingard’s Career Narrative?

Clube do Remo, founded in 1905 and based in Belém, boasts one of Brazil’s most fervent supporter groups, Baianas do Remo. Currently competing in Série C, the third tier, they have a history of promotion pushes and cup runs. Signing Lingard would represent their boldest transfer ever, surpassing previous imports like former Manchester City youth product Gidle.

As per Lance!, a prominent Brazilian sports daily, their correspondent Eduardo Rodrigues stated:

“Remo sees Lingard as the catalyst for their 2026 promotion campaign.”

Lingard’s skill set—dribbling, set-pieces, and leadership from 232 Manchester United appearances (32 goals)—aligns with Remo’s need for midfield dynamism.

Lingard himself has hinted at openness to global moves via social media, posting training clips captioned “Ready for the next chapter.” While neutral observers note his age and recent form dips, Brazilian optimism prevails.

What Do Experts Say About the Transfer’s Feasibility?

Football analysts have weighed in cautiously. Sky Sports’ Kaveh Solhekol, commenting on Lingard’s options, remarked: “After West Ham’s rejection, Brazil could offer the adventure he craves.” Brazilian pundit Juca Kfouri, in his Folha de S.Paulo column, opined:

“Remo landing Lingard would shock Série C, but his hunger might make it work.”

Critics point to adaptation challenges—language barriers, physicality of Brazilian football, and Remo’s modest budget. Yet, precedents like Hulk’s success at Atlético Mineiro bolster the case.

Background on Lingard’s West Ham Tenure

Lingard’s 2022 West Ham loan was a career highlight, with 9 goals in 17 starts aiding Europa League qualification. Fans adored his energy, but permanent deals faltered. Under David Moyes, then Nuno, squad evolution sidelined him.

Hammers News recapped:

“Former West Ham United star Jesse Lingard could yet end up in Brazil after leaving South Korea,”

tying back to the core rumour.

Potential Impact on Remo and Brazilian Football?

Remo’s Mangueirão stadium, capacity 52,000, would erupt for Lingard’s debut. Promotion to Série B could follow, injecting revenue. For Lingard, goals and assists in Série C might reignite England selection whispers, though Gareth Southgate’s successor rules him out at 32.

As negotiations progress, all eyes are on official announcements. Brazilian media’s unified front suggests a deal is near, but football’s unpredictability looms.