Corinthians face fresh hurdle to keep Memphis as sponsor steps back | OneFootball

Corinthians have hit fresh trouble trying to renew Memphis Depay’s deal, with master sponsor Esportes da Sorte not expected to fund his salary.

According to Meu Timao, the betting company does not plan to assume part or all of his wages, the model preferred by the board, and there is no agreement despite an initial positive signal around his arrival in September 2024.

Memphis’s current contract, signed in September 2024 and valid until 20 June, includes a signing-on fee, bonuses for titles, appearances, goals and assists, plus salary and image rights estimated at about R$ 3 million per month. Esportes da Sorte previously covered part of his pay, but after renewing its deal with the club at the start of the year, roughly R$ 57 million stopped being directed exclusively to the forward’s contract.

The club have said they do not intend to proceed without partners. In late April, president Osmar Stabile admitted an extension would only happen if a partner covered the 32-year-old’s wages. Football executive Marcelo Paz said Memphis had accepted reduced terms to stay at Parque São Jorge and wanted the issue settled before the World Cup.

The scenario discussed is a two-season renewal, if Corinthians find partners who meet the club’s conditions. His stay also depends on renegotiating an estimated R$ 40 million owed for bonuses and prize money.

The Dutch forward awaits resolution while recovering from a right-leg muscle injury suffered on 22 March against Flamengo in the Brasileirão. He has since missed 14 matches, casting doubt on a possible World Cup call-up. This season he has played 12 games, with one goal and one assist, and he remains a doubt to face Peñarol of Uruguay on Thursday in the Libertadores group stage.

Source: Meu Timao