Memphis unsettles Corinthians over his behind-the-scenes stance | OneFootball

By Tiago Salazar

Injured and with his contract nearing its end, Memphis Depay has been causing discomfort behind the scenes at Corinthians because of his behavior off the field. According to reporting by Gazeta Esportiva, the No. 10 has been irritating people involved in the club’s day-to-day by “getting too involved” in internal matters.

The player has tried to interfere in areas beyond his role, such as signings, and has also criticized the medical and fitness departments. Logistics and team planning have also been among his complaints.

The behavior has not been limited to administrative matters behind the scenes. The forward has also had friction with teammates, mainly for trying to bring people close to him into private dressing-room areas, an attitude that has met resistance within the squad.

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Strained relationship

The relationship between Memphis Depay and Dorival Júnior, who was dismissed as Corinthians head coach last Sunday, was also no longer fully harmonious. The Dutch forward showed some irritation with the coach over the few opportunities given to Moroccan player Zakaria Labyad, who was recommended by the No. 10 and with whom he shared a dressing room at PSV in the Netherlands.

Despite the criticism, there are exceptions. A club employee confirmed Memphis’ interference in his department, but saw it as a suggestion from someone concerned about performance and Corinthians’ well-being. Even so, the prevailing assessment behind the scenes is negative. Internally, the perception is that the forward has been “doing little on the field in terms of playing and delivering, while talking a lot off it.” Gazeta Esportiva contacted Corinthians as well as Memphis Depay’s representatives seeking comment on the case, but both chose not to speak.

Uncertain future

Memphis Depay’s future at Corinthians is uncertain. The player’s deal with Timão is only valid until the middle of this year. He is therefore already free to sign a pre-contract with any other team.

The club from Parque São Jorge would like to renew with the Dutchman, but not under the current terms. The debt owed to the player has already reached around R$42 million. The board would only agree to extend the deal if a company emerges interested in partnering with the club to cover the player’s costs.

Memphis Depay joined Corinthians in 2024 and, amid controversies and good moments, won three titles: the Paulistão, the Copa do Brasil, and the Supercopa. Overall, he has 20 goals and 15 assists in 77 matches wearing the black-and-white shirt.

Currently, the star is recovering from a muscle injury in his right thigh and will miss Corinthians’ Libertadores group-stage opener. This Thursday, the team faces Platense starting at 9 p.m. (Brasília time) at Estadio Ciudad de Vicente López, in Buenos Aires.

Next match

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.