A year ago, Memphis Depay was in Monaco, preparing for a new challenge. Free since leaving Atlético Madrid, the Dutchman was waiting for the right project. Several clubs had knocked on his door, such as Sevilla FC, without being able to convince him. Aside from the sporting aspect, the Depay clan had been very demanding financially. Doors closed one after the other. On the floor at the end of the transfer window, the Moordrecht native finally said yes to Corinthians . An unexpected collaboration that the Dutch footballer, who signed until December 31, 2026, explained during his presentation press conference last September.
An XXL salary and benefits
“I traveled the world to play football in a country where they don't know much about competitiveness. For me, it's simple: I grew up in the Netherlands, I know the competitiveness of Europe, and I've played for many clubs, I've competed. I'm 30 years old and I wondered what to do to be happy, and for some reason, I'm here today. I believe everything in my life has a purpose. I think we need to recognize where authentic football comes from. Many stars from all over the world come from Brazil; we know great Brazilian players. It's the Mecca of football; the beautiful game is here. Children from Europe follow players from here, even for their way of embracing life, because it's not just football. My reason for being here is bigger than football.”
But it wasn't just football that won him over. The salary offered by the Brazilian team, which relied on one of its sponsors, weighed in the balance. Last January, Globo Esporte revealed that the striker receives a progressive salary in Brazil, with a base set at €11 million per year during his first year there. Then, his salary can climb to €13 million during his second year. Finally, he is expected to earn a maximum of €19 million in 2026. In addition to his emoluments and various performance-related bonuses (number of goals, number of matches, man of the match award, titles won, editor's note), Corinthians have pampered the footballer, who benefits from other perks, both for himself and his loved ones.
Memphis demands its due
The Brazilian media outlet also stated that Memphis Depay had covered his back by including a clause allowing him to receive 20% of the amount in the event of a transfer to a Brazilian club. If he were to join a European team, he would pocket 50% of the sale amount, according to Globo Esporte . This information should be taken into consideration since a departure of the Dutch international is not to be excluded today. Indeed, relations between the player and his club have cooled. The reason? Corinthians owe Memphis money. Recently, UOL revealed that various performance-related bonuses have not been paid to the former MU player. The Brazilian media outlet also added that the Auriverde club, which is struggling financially, must also pay the management fees it owes to the footballer's staff. He would not be the only Corinthians player in this situation.
But given the figures previously announced, it's clear that large sums are at stake. On May 15, Memphis claimed what was owed. But he received no response from the club and has not been paid. This Wednesday,
[Lance!](( https://www.lance.com.br/corinthians/memphis-notifica-corinthians-por-divida-e-alerta-que-pode-nao-atuar-pelo-time.html ) explains that he sent a message to the club in which he requests the settlement of this debt of approximately 900,000 euros. He informed Corinthians that maintaining this debt could lead to the interruption of his professional activities. Thus, he could stop training and playing for the São Paulo club. A club with which he had reached an agreement for the payment of this bonus, particularly for the titles won. Except that it was the old management. The new managers, for their part, claim not to be aware of this deal.
He threatens to stop playing
The situation is therefore more tense. On the set of UOL News Esporte , columnist Walter Casagrande discussed this issue. "He (the club, editor's note) has to pay. But Memphis has lost interest in Corinthians for a long time. It's clear on the pitch, especially after the Paulista League match. Away from home, if he has the option of not playing, he won't play. Away from home, when he plays, he doesn't touch the ball, he doesn't make the slightest effort. It's very clear. This debt isn't new, is it? It's not as if Corinthians owed him 900,000 euros yesterday and then he decided not to return. This debt already exists and it coincides with his lack of interest in the pitch."
His colleague, Casão, believes the player is right. "He's within his rights. If you owe money, you have to pay. Corinthians owe money to a lot of people, and they have to pay. But it was obvious that at some point, this problem with Memphis would arise because whoever accepted his contract this way was completely oblivious - it's absurd, completely disproportionate to everything else in the country." The astronomical salary and benefits offered to the player are weighing down Corinthians, who must deal with a disgruntled star ready to leave. Moreover, FotoMaç reveals that he has checked the temperature with Besiktas, who also have the 2026 World Cup in his sights. The Turkish media adds that Corinthians could lower its expectations regarding the transfer price. What is certain is that Memphis Depay (31 years old) will not give the Brazilian club any gifts.
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