Corinthians close in on Memphis renewal before the World Cup | OneFootball

Corinthians have taken new steps in negotiations to renew Memphis Depay’s contract. In recent days, club officials and the forward’s representatives have intensified talks, and the internal expectation is that negotiations will be concluded in June, before the start of the World Cup.

The current deal for the number 10 expires on June 20. Even so, the atmosphere behind the scenes has become more optimistic regarding the Dutchman’s stay at Parque São Jorge.

Photo: Rodrigo Coca/Agência Corinthians

Recently, Corinthians and Memphis held a meeting considered important for moving the talks forward. For the first time since negotiations began, the parties discussed in greater detail possible formats for a new contract and the financial scenarios involving the player’s continuation at the club. Although there is still no formal official proposal, the meeting helped align expectations and bring both sides closer to a possible agreement.

Internally, the club’s board has noticed growing interest from companies willing to take part in the financial project aimed at making the striker’s stay possible. The movement gained even more momentum after the “#RenewWithMemphis” campaign, promoted by fans on social media over the past week.

Among the companies involved in the talks is Ezze Seguros, the current sponsor on the upper back of the Corinthians shirt. The company is considering using Memphis as an ambassador for a new product after the World Cup.

The company’s contract with Corinthians also ends at the end of June, and a possible renewal between the parties may be linked to the striker’s presence in future advertising campaigns for the brand.

In addition to Ezze, Esportes da Sorte, the club’s main sponsor, is also in contact with club officials and the player’s representatives to evaluate possibilities for participating in the renewal project.

Other companies remain in negotiations with Corinthians and the player’s camp. Even so, Memphis’ representatives understand that the club will need to contribute financially to the operation for his stay to be finalized.

One of the main figures responsible for the talks is Marcelo Paz. Corinthians’ football executive is directly involved in the internal discussions and supports the striker’s continuation for the coming seasons.

The new contract being studied by the parties would have a different model from the current deal. The tendency is for the same bonus and incentive clauses included in the agreement signed in 2024 not to be maintained.

Even given the club’s delicate financial situation, Memphis has shown interest in staying at Corinthians and has already signaled a willingness to be flexible on contractual terms, including a possible salary reduction.

Another important point in the negotiations involves Corinthians’ debt to the player, estimated at around R$ 42 million in bonuses, signing fees, and accumulated prize payments. Behind the scenes, however, the issue is not being treated as an immediate obstacle. The striker is willing to discuss installment payments and receive the amounts over the long term.

The board’s idea is to build a new deal lasting until mid-2028. On the pitch, Memphis returned to action last Sunday in the 1-0 win over Atlético-MG after recovering from a right thigh injury. The striker came on in the second half and played for just over 30 minutes.

The expectation is that the Dutchman will get another opportunity this Wednesday (27) against Platense at Neo Química Arena in the final round of the Libertadores group stage. If he is officially called up by the Netherlands national team for the World Cup, Memphis will leave Brazil right after the match to begin the preparation period with the European side.

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