Dutch forward and former Manchester United player Memphis Depay and Brazilian club Corinthians are embroiled in a dispute over his contract renewal following statements released by both the player and the club.
Depay joined Corinthians in 2024, signing a two-year contract that expired in July 2026. The dispute stems from Memphis’ claim that he and the club had agreed on a two-year contract extension, but Corinthians subsequently abandoned the agreement and announced that it would no longer continue with the Dutch forward due to its financial difficulties.
One of the major reasons behind Corinthians’ reluctance to continue with Depay is his reported salary. The former Manchester United player was reportedly the club’s highest-paid player, earning around £90,000 per week.
Corinthians are also reportedly yet to settle a substantial debt owed to Depay, estimated at approximately R$77 million.
Reports say Memphis had agreed to accept roughly R$43 million in four instalments and waive the additional interest and penalties, but that arrangement was tied to the proposed contract renewal. With Corinthians now abandoning the renewal, the larger R$77 million figure is back in focus.
In their statement, Corinthians said the decision may have been abrupt but was made in consideration of the institution’s financial health.
“Sport Club Corinthians Paulista has decided not to renew the contract of player Memphis Depay. This decision was made solely and exclusively in consideration of the financial health of our institution, which requires strict balance and responsibility in the management of the resources available.
We would like to express our deep gratitude to player Memphis Depay and his entire team, who, from the beginning of the negotiations, sought the best possible agreement.”
Memphis has been a significant player for Corinthians since his arrival. He made 79 appearances, scored 20 goals and helped the club win three major trophies: the Paulistão and Copa do Brasil in 2025, and the Supercopa Rei in 2026.
Corinthians president Osmar Stabile said that, given the club’s current financial position and existing obligations, renewing Depay’s contract would put further pressure on its financial structure and that the club needed to preserve its sustainability.
“However, after careful analysis, strictly financial considerations and the commitment to responsible management of the Club prevailed.
Given Corinthians’ current and future financial obligations, it became clear that taking on a new commitment of this magnitude would not be compatible, at this time, with the financial balance we need to preserve in order to guarantee the institution’s sustainability.
We recognize that this was a difficult decision, but, without a doubt, it was necessary for the future of Sport Club Corinthians Paulista.”
Following the club’s statement, Memphis took to X to accuse Corinthians of refusing to honour their initial agreement:
“Very disappointed to read that Corinthians decided not to honour our agreement in place to extend my contract for 2 more years. This renewal was explicitly agreed upon by the president as well as the sporting, legal and financial department. Some people decided however to breach this engagement.
I didn’t want this situation and always respected the club throughout the process, but now I am forced to react strongly in order to preserve my interests. In the upcoming days I will speak publicly but rest assured that I will not leave this unacceptable behaviour unsanctioned.”
