Memphis Depay: Ex-Man United star’s Corinthians saga takes another twist | OneFootball

3

The saga between former Manchester United forward Memphis Depay and Corinthians has taken a decisive turn after a new major twist.

Future settled

A week ago, Depay took to social media and blasted Corinthians after they made a drastic U-turn on offering him a new deal.

Depay officially entered free agency at the start of the month when his terms with the Brazilian club expired. Discussions had been ongoing, but an outstanding debt owed to the player made negotiations fragile. Despite that, there remained genuine optimism that a deal could be struck, and everything suggested he would remain in Brazil.

Then Corinthians issued a shock statement announcing they would not keep Depay due to his unrealistic demands. Corinthians even thanked the ex-United star for his services, bidding him farewell.

Depay responded by describing the club’s actions as “unacceptable” and indicating his intention to seek remedy for what he perceived as unjust treatment.

Now, it has been confirmed that the Dutchman is poised to stay, with an agreement now in place.

Fresh twist

According to ESPN Brasil, Depay has agreed to waive about R$21m (£2.9m) from R$75m (£10.6m) owed to him by the club as part of the new two-year deal that is worth a total of R$135m (£19.1m).

The remaining R$54m (£7.6m) will be paid in four instalments starting in January 2027. The club could lose the discount if they miss any payments.

Corinthians president Osmar Stabile told reporters, “Everything’s fine. It was hard work. Obviously, you can’t get an international star done very quickly; it was a lengthy process, as everyone knows, but thank God we took it to CORI and everything worked out.”

“We got the necessary votes for approval and we’re at ease. We managed to do it. I want to give special thanks to the people at CORI, who fought so that we could reach the numbers we did. We also thank Memphis Depay’s team and him personally. We had a personal meeting and he managed to reduce numbers that his team couldn’t achieve.”

“We did what was best for Corinthians, especially in financial terms.”

He added, “I’ve always said that the financial aspect was the most important thing for Corinthians. There was no point in me signing any contract if I couldn’t afford to pay it in the future. I’m not thinking about myself. I’m thinking about who comes after me. We’re making a two-year contract. I don’t know if I’ll be here.”

“I’ve always thought about the institution. I suffered the consequences… For me, it would have been much easier to sign any contract, as they were doing at Corinthians, and then leave celebrating; it was the most convenient thing for me.”

Stabile claimed that his phone number, as well as those of his family members, were leaked as a consequence of the uncertainty that surrounded Depay’s future.

He further alleged that he had been the target of threats from individuals he believed to be armed, potentially with firearms and edged weapons.