A Memphis Depay’s renewal with Corinthians remains undefined and surrounded by uncertainty. The striker himself, after the victory over Grêmio at Neo Química Arena, on the 2nd, avoided confirming whether he intends to extend the contract – valid until July 2026 – and made it clear that he will only discuss the topic “at another time of the year”. The Dutchman stated that he feels good at the club, but pointed out that the squad received practically no reinforcements in 2025 and that this prevents Corinthians from fighting for all the titles, something that, for him, requires “some changes that only those inside understand”.
Memphis, who scored a great goal this Thursday (20/11), in Corinthians’ 3-1 victory over São Paulo, explained behind the scenes in recent weeks that he respects the relationship with the board and that he enjoys the experience in Brazil, but reinforced the need for realism in the club’s football leadership. According to him, the current group remains practically the same since last year and, therefore, it is not possible to imagine that the team will compete in all competitions on equal terms with its rivals. Even so, he said he was focused on the World Cup and the Brasileirão until the end of the season.
2T | 39 min: MEMPHIS GOAL.
MATHEUS BIDU THROWED IT, THE BALL CAME TO SHIRT 10, THE DUTCH THREW A BEAUTIFUL PEN AND FINISHED WITH CATEGORY!
CORINTHIANS IN FRONT!!!!!!!!!!!#SCCPxSAO (2-1)#VaiCorinthians pic.twitter.com/374WzUwVfT
— Corinthians (@Corinthians) November 21, 2025
Behind the scenes, the situation is even more complex. The 31-year-old player continues to live in a luxury hotel in São Paulo, but offered to find cheaper accommodation to alleviate the club’s costs – an initiative that came from him, according to president Osmar Stabile. However, his legal team in Europe advised him not to make any decision until Corinthians progresses in paying a debt worth around R$23 million. The club has not yet paid off amounts relating to gloves, bonuses for games, participation in goals and prizes, in addition to the monthly housing payments stipulated in the contract.
Memphis even evaluated houses in Alphaville and the Jardins neighborhood, but rejected the options – the first due to the distance to CT Joaquim Grava, and the second due to the high cost. His lawyers also fear new financial issues, as Corinthians has delayed contractual commitments since his arrival. There is an agreement in place for the club to pay three installments of R$1 million in the coming months and, in March, pay off the remainder in a single transfer of R$20 million.
Memphis Depay: what he thinks about Corinthians
Despite the difficulties, Memphis has not put obstacles in the way of the proposals presented and is even willing to make contractual benefits more flexible. He likes Brazil, believes that Corinthians is the best environment to remain competitive and is open to dialogue. What has bothered the Dutchman, however, is the recurrence of behind-the-scenes leaks to the press, a situation that, in his view, repeatedly puts him in confrontation with fans for internal political interests. The release of Cori’s minutes citing his housing expenses was one of the episodes that displeased him.
Meanwhile, the Memphis contract became the target of disputes within the Guidance Council. Some of the advisors consider the agreement signed under Augusto Melo’s administration to be excessively onerous and question the player’s cost-benefit ratio. Cori requested access to the signed documents and is awaiting clarification from managers involved in its hiring. The club’s legal director even classified the agreement’s figures as “outside of reality”.
MORE: The best VPNs for watching live sports
