Depay's Controversial Extension
Memphis Depay Extends Corinthians Contract Until 2028 Following Substantial Pay Cut
Key Points
The new two-year Corinthians deal for Depay is worth about R$135 million, with the club also paying the remaining R$54 million debt in four installments from January 2027; if any installment is missed, Corinthians loses the discount.
Depay reportedly waived about R$21 million (roughly £2.9 million) from what Corinthians owed as part of securing the extension, reducing the amount the club had to pay.
The negotiations were accompanied by intimidation against club officials, with Corinthians president Osmar Stabile revealing that supporters leaked personal information and there were threats involving knives and revolvers during the dispute.
Administrative steps to formalise the contract are underway, with Stabile stating that documentation is being uploaded and Depay is expected to report to the squad under manager Fernando Diniz.
Memphis Depay has agreed to a two-year contract extension with Corinthians that will keep him at the Brazilian club until mid-2028 — but only after he agreed to write off roughly R$21 million (about £2.9 million) that the club owed him. Yahoo Sports confirmed the deal ends a long and bitter dispute between Depay and the club.
Corinthians president Osmar Stabile confirmed the extension publicly. The new contract is worth around R$135 million in total. Corinthians will also repay a remaining R$54 million debt in four installments starting January 2027. Miss one payment, and the club loses the discount Depay gave them.
Depay Took a Big Pay Cut to Stay
The original contract terms collapsed when Corinthians said they could not afford to keep Depay on his existing deal. Depay publicly called the club's position unacceptable. But after weeks of talks, he agreed to waive R$21 million — roughly £2.9 million — from what Corinthians owed him. That move made the extension possible, according to Streamline Feed.
Head Topics reported that Depay reduced his total financial demands to around R$30 million. The 32-year-old Dutch forward chose to stay rather than walk away from a club where he has clearly found a home. He is now expected to report back to the squad under manager Fernando Diniz as paperwork is finalized.
Threats and Intimidation Shadowed the Negotiations
The talks did not happen quietly. Corinthians president Stabile revealed that club officials faced serious threats during the dispute. Fans leaked personal information about staff. Stabile said there were threats involving knives and revolvers aimed at people inside the club.
The intimidation added pressure to an already tense situation. Despite that, Stabile pushed the deal through. He confirmed that the contract documents are now being uploaded and the administrative steps to make it official are underway, according to Vijesti.
Depay Has Been a Key Figure at Corinthians
Since joining Corinthians, Depay has scored 20 goals in 79 appearances. He helped the club win the Copa do Brasil in 2025 and the Supercopa do Brasil earlier this year. Those are two of the biggest trophies in Brazilian football.
At 32, Depay is still producing at a high level. His decision to take a pay cut rather than leave shows how much he values life in São Paulo. For Corinthians, keeping him was worth the difficult months of negotiation — and the drama that came with it.
What the Installment Plan Means for Corinthians
The debt repayment structure carries real risk for the club. Corinthians must pay back R$54 million in four equal installments. The first payment does not come until January 2027. But if any single payment is missed, the club forfeits the R$21 million discount Depay gave them — and owes the full original amount.
That clause gives Depay protection while letting Corinthians spread out the financial hit. The club has faced well-documented financial strain. The deal buys them time, but the pressure to stay current on payments will follow them for the next two years.
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