Memphis Depay Accuses Corinthians of Breaking Renewal Agreement Made With Club President

What looked like a routine contract renewal turned into a full blown soap opera with accusations flying in both directions. Memphis Depay took to social media on Tuesday to claim that Corinthians turned its back on him after, in his telling, already agreeing to extend his contract for two more years.

The Brazilian club had announced that same day it would not be keeping the Dutch striker, citing "economic reasons" and the need to protect the institution's "financial health." On its own, that would have been just another transfer market headline. The problem is that Depay insists a deal was already in place, and not just any deal: according to him, the agreement had been backed by the club president along with the sporting, legal and financial departments.

Very disappointed to read that Corinthians decided not to honor our agreement reached to extend my contract for two more years. This renewal was explicitly agreed upon by both the president and the sporting, legal and financial departments. However, some people decided to break this commitmentMemphis Depay

The forward's contract expired at the end of July, leaving things in limbo until the club decided to cut ties. Depay, who played for Barcelona and Atletico Madrid before landing in Brazil, didn't stay quiet and took the complaint a step further, signaling that legal action is coming.

I didn't want this to happen and I always respected the club throughout the whole process, but now I feel forced to react firmly to defend my interests. In the coming days I will speak publicly, but rest assured I will not let this unacceptable behavior go unpunishedMemphis Depay

A Debt That Looms Large

The financial backdrop here is no small matter. Brazilian outlets place Corinthians' debt to the Dutchman at around 42 million reais (roughly 8 million dollars), not counting interest that keeps piling up while the matter works its way through legal channels. Under pressure, the club itself announced that its president, Osmar Stabile, will hold a press conference in the coming days to explain the decision.

Credit where it's due, Depay's time at Timão was no throwaway stint. Since arriving in September 2024, the forward scored 20 goals in 79 appearances and was a key piece in three titles: the Campeonato Paulista and the Copa do Brasil in 2025, plus the Supercopa Rei in 2026. Numbers like that help explain why an exit without a finalized deal has left such a bitter taste for Corinthians fans, and why the player himself feels he deserved better treatment.

Now it's a matter of waiting for Stabile's press conference and the "public statements" Depay promised for the coming days. What was supposed to be a routine renewal has instead exposed an internal rift that looks set to keep making headlines, both in the courts and in Brazilian public opinion.