Memphis Depay has launched a stinging attack on Corinthians after the Brazilian club reversed course on an agreement to extend his contract, accusing the club of engaging in “unacceptable behaviour” and breaking a commitment made to him.
The Netherlands international became a free agent after Corinthians opted against renewing his deal, despite Depay claiming that an extension had already been approved by key figures within the club’s administration.
Depay, who joined Corinthians in 2024 on a two-year contract, expressed his frustration in a strongly worded social media statement, making it clear that he intends to challenge the decision rather than to quietly move on.
According to the 32-year-old, the proposed renewal had been agreed by club president Osmar Stabile and representatives from the sporting, legal and financial departments. He alleged that unnamed individuals subsequently decided to disregard the agreement.
The former Manchester United and Barcelona attacker said he had remained respectful towards Corinthians throughout the negotiations but felt compelled to respond after the club changed its position. He also warned that further public comments would follow as he seeks to protect his interests.
Depay Warns of Further Action
Depay’s statement has added significant tension to an already difficult situation between the player and the Brazilian club, with the forward suggesting that the dispute could have consequences beyond his departure.
He said he did not want the “situation to develop in this manner” but would now respond forcefully because of the way the agreement was handled. Depay further indicated that he would not allow what he described as unacceptable conduct to go “without consequences.“
His comments come after a two-year spell in Brazil during which he became an important figure at Corinthians. He made 79 appearances for the club, scoring 20 goals across all competitions.
Depay also played a role in Corinthians’ recent trophy success, helping the club win the Copa do Brasil in 2025 before contributing to their Supercopa do Brasil triumph earlier this year.
Corinthians Cite Financial Constraints
Corinthians, however, have presented the matter differently, maintaining that financial considerations ultimately made a new contract impossible. The club said extending its commitment to Depay would have placed further pressure on its finances.
In a statement, Corinthians explained that continuing with a contract of the same magnitude was incompatible with the financial stability the club is attempting to protect.
The Sao Paulo giants acknowledged that abandoning the renewal was a difficult decision but argued that it was necessary to safeguard the institution’s long-term sustainability. The club has also confirmed that president Stabile will address the matter at a press conference in the coming days.
The dispute leaves Depay facing an uncertain next step after two seasons in Brazilian football. His reputation remains considerable, with the forward holding the record as the Netherlands’ all-time leading goalscorer.
His most recent international campaign, however, ended in disappointment. Depay failed to score in three appearances at the 2026 World Cup as the Netherlands were eliminated in the last 32.
For now, the immediate issue is his unresolved relationship with Corinthians. Depay’s threat of further public action means the contract dispute could remain in the spotlight even as the club prepares to continue its season without him.
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