Memphis Depay accuses Corinthians of breaching contract agreement after renewal collapsed

Memphis Depay has accused Brazilian club Corinthians of "unacceptable behaviour" after they decided against renewing his contract, claiming the club's president and multiple departments had explicitly agreed to an extension before backing out.

The 32-year-old Dutch forward, who joined Corinthians on a two-year deal in 2024, took to social media to say he was "very disappointed" by the decision. According to Depay, the contract renewal for two more years was agreed by the Corinthians president and the club's sporting, legal and financial departments — but "some people breached the engagement." He vowed to speak publicly in the coming days and said he would not leave the behaviour "unsanctioned" (OneFootball; BBC Sport).

Corinthians published an official note on their X account on 11 August announcing the decision not to renew. The club stated it was taken "solely and exclusively" by the club, citing finances and the need to "preserve financial balance for the institution's sustainability." Club president Osmar Stabile will hold a press conference in the coming days to address the decision (BBC Sport).

The breakdown did not come out of nowhere. Fox Sports reported on 23 July that Depay was in contract limbo despite his desire to stay, with the club's significant debt delaying an agreement. By 7 August, Brazilian outlet GE reported that his lawyers and the Corinthians board were still negotiating with no deadline for an outcome, and that the renewal talks had "divided" the club's board. As of 10 August, Corinthians had not signed a new contract and the agreement had not been validated by the president. Depay did not travel with the squad for their Copa Libertadores match against Rosario Central because his contract had not been renewed (Fox Sports; GE Globo; GE Globo).

During his two years in São Paulo, Depay scored 20 goals in 79 appearances and helped Corinthians win two trophies: the Copa do Brasil in 2025 (Brazil's national cup competition) and the Supercopa do Brasil in 2026 (the annual match between the league champions and cup winners). It was a productive stint on the pitch, even as the contract situation worsened behind the scenes.

Depay is the Netherlands' all-time leading goalscorer, but his summer ended on a low note: he failed to score in three appearances as the Dutch exited the 2026 World Cup in the round of 32 (BBC Sport).

For Corinthians fans, this is an uncomfortable parting. A player who delivered silverware and goals is leaving amid acrimony, with the club pointing to financial reality and the player insisting a deal was broken. Stabile's press conference will be the next chapter in a story that has already turned messy.