Memphis renewal unresolved as Corinthians cite legal cover to register later | OneFootball

Corinthians have reached the final day of Memphis Depay’s contract without a timetable for renewal, maintaining they are legally covered to register any extension after expiry.

According to Globo.com, Memphis was expected back in Brazil this week, but as of Thursday night no new return date had been set. He will only travel to São Paulo once the board approve a complex agreement involving commercial terms and a R$ 42 million debt payment.

Opponents inside the club are placing weight on medical tests, arguing they could expose issues that might lead doctors to advise against the deal. Memphis’s camp insists he is match fit and views the fitness debate as a political pretext to block the renewal.

The hierarchy believe they can finalise and enter the renewal in the BID even after expiry, citing previous guidance sought from the CBF and despite three transfer bans stopping new signings from being registered. The CBF considers an extension outside those sanctions because it continues an existing link, with any Fifa queries left to the club.

Executives also point to a past BID error, when Depay was listed until 20 June while his labour contract ran to 31 July, as evidence the dates were not decisive. Football chief Marcelo Paz remains optimistic despite political pressure on president Osmar Stabile to halt the deal. After the 0-0 draw with Athletico-PR in round 21, Fernando Diniz said Depay is very likely to stay, although nothing is sealed and talks are progressing.

Source: Globo.com