Hugo Souza says squad learned of Memphis Depay exit online, leaves planning to board | OneFootball

Hugo Souza says the Corinthians squad discovered Memphis Depay’s departure via the club’s online announcement after the draw with Argentina’s Rosario Central in the Libertadores, a development that caught the dressing room by surprise.

Corinthians said in a statement on Tuesday that the decision took the club’s finances into account, with president Osmar Stabile signing the note. It followed earlier optimism from executive Marcelo Paz and head coach Fernando Diniz about renewing the forward’s deal.

Souza added that players do not control such matters. He praised Depay’s quality and importance to the team, thanked him for his contribution and wished him well in his career.

A like-for-like replacement looks unlikely now, as the club face three transfer bans, two imposed by FIFA and one by the CBF, and can only register newcomers once the debts are settled. Asked about squad planning, Souza said it rests with the manager and the board and that the players would respect the club’s call.

Without Depay, there are eight senior attacking options, Yuri Alberto, Pedro Raul, Kaio César, Gui Negão, Vitinho, Kayke, Jesse Lingard and Dieguinho. Yuri Alberto, Vitinho and Kayke are currently in the medical department.

Source: Meu Timao

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