Ex-Man Utd striker Depay takes pay cut to stay at Corinthians
August 18, 2026 09:01
Memphis Depay has agreed to accept reduced financial terms in order to remain at Corinthians, after the club initially opted not to extend his deal. That decision came days after Depay publicly criticised Corinthians for withdrawing a previously agreed contract extension on a two-year deal he had signed in 2024.
Corinthians president Osmar Stabile confirmed the forward agreed to lower his monetary demands and has signed a new contract running until 2028. Club statements describe prolonged negotiations that ended with Depay making a substantial cut so the club could afford to retain him.
KEY CONTEXT
Depay joined Corinthians after leaving Atletico Madrid in May 2024. He has scored 20 goals in 79 appearances for the Sao Paulo club and was part of the teams that won the Copa do Brasil in 2025 and the Supercopa do Brasil this year. Corinthians are currently ninth in Brazil’s Serie A.
Financial concerns were central to the earlier decision not to renew his contract, prompting the club to reopen talks to find an affordable solution.
WHY IT MATTERS
Keeping Depay ties a high-profile international striker to Corinthians until 2028, which matters both on the pitch and for the club’s profile. The negotiated deal reflects the club’s need to manage its finances while retaining a proven contributor—Depay’s past goals and recent domestic trophies underline his on-field value. The arrangement also leaves the club reliant on meeting a specific payment schedule to secure the agreed discounts.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Corinthians meet the instalment schedule outlined in the deal; reports say missed payments would void the discount Depay accepted.
- How the relationship between player and club settles after the public dispute over the withdrawn extension.
- Depay’s on-field form for Corinthians going forward, given his past scoring record for the club.
KEY FACTS
- Depay has signed a new contract with Corinthians running until 2028, confirmed by the club president.