Memphis Depay threatens action after Corinthians contract dispute

Former Manchester United and Barcelona forward Memphis Depay has accused Corinthians of breaking a promise to renew his contract and says he will take legal and public action against the Brazilian club.

Depay joined the Sao Paulo-based side in 2024 on a two-year agreement. The Netherlands international says senior figures at Corinthians had explicitly committed to extending his contract, but the club has since decided against continuing his stay.

The decision has left Depay angry and determined to challenge what he regards as an unacceptable breach of an agreement.

“This renewal was explicitly agreed upon by the president as well as the sporting, legal and financial departments. Some people decided, however, to breach this engagement,” Depay wrote on social media.

“I didn’t want this situation and always respected the club throughout the process, but now I am forced to react strongly in order to preserve my interests. In the upcoming days I will speak publicly, but rest assured that I will not leave this unacceptable behaviour unsanctioned.”

Depay is expected to make public appearances in the coming days, when he plans to explain his position and hold those he believes responsible for the decision to account.

His departure from Corinthians has been clouded by the dispute, despite the forward having enjoyed a successful spell on the pitch. He scored 20 goals in 79 matches for the club and played alongside fellow former Manchester United player Jesse Lingard.

Depay’s contribution helped Corinthians win two trophies during his time in Brazil: the 2025 Copa do Brasil and the Supercopa do Brasil.

The 31-year-old remains the Netherlands’ all-time leading goalscorer, with 55 goals for his country. However, he did not score at the recent World Cup, where the Netherlands endured a disappointing campaign before being eliminated by Morocco on penalties in the Last 32.

Ronald Koeman left his position as Netherlands manager after the World Cup. It is not yet known whether Depay will remain part of the plans of the incoming manager, who could decide to take the team in a different direction as preparations begin ahead of Euro 2028.

Depay began his professional career with PSV Eindhoven in 2011 before moving to Manchester United. He later represented Lyon, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, followed by his move to Corinthians in 2024.

The forward’s spell at Manchester United and Barcelona established him as one of the most recognisable Dutch players of his generation, while his international record has made him a significant figure for the Netherlands.

For now, however, attention is focused on his dispute with Corinthians. Depay has made clear that he believes a contract extension was agreed by the club’s president and its sporting, legal and financial departments, and that he intends to pursue the matter rather than accept the decision quietly.