Depay, the former Manchester United and Barcelona forward, will sign a new two-year contract, lasting until summer 2028. Corinthians President Osmar Stabile announced this decision after the Corinthians Leadership Council approved it on 17/8.

"Thank God, everything went well. We secured enough votes for approval and can now rest easy. We have completed this", Stabile stated.

Memphis Depay reacts during a Corinthians match against Athletico Paranaense in the Brazilian championship, at Arena da Baixada in Curitiba, Brazil on 19/2/2026. *Reuters*

The Corinthians president noted that Depay, who joined the team in 9/2024, agreed to a significant reduction in his new contract's terms. The 32-year-old forward's previous contract expired at the end of july.

On 11/8, Corinthians announced it would not extend Depay's contract due to financial issues. At the time, the club emphasized that retaining a high-cost star like the Dutch forward could jeopardize the team's sustainability.

The decision to part ways with Depay angered a segment of Corinthians fans. A group of radical fans gathered outside Stabile's home, carrying banners with messages such as "Get out, you rats" and "Peace has ended". He and several other members of the leadership even received death threats.

Depay also publicly criticized Corinthians, accusing the club of not keeping its promises. "Very disappointed to read that Corinthians decided not to honor the agreement we had reached regarding a two-year contract extension", the Dutch forward wrote on social media. "The extension was clearly agreed upon by the club president along with the technical, legal, and financial departments. However, some individuals decided to break that commitment".

Memphis Depay celebrates the Campeonato Paulista 2025 title at Neo Quimica Arena, Sao Paolo, Brazil. *EPA*

A few days later, Corinthians resumed negotiations with Depay. The former Manchester United forward agreed to continue playing for the club, which is led by former Brazil coach Fernando Diniz.

"Based on what I have observed and the work we have carried out in the legal, administrative, and financial departments, I believe the club is capable of affording this contract", Stabile affirmed.

Depay developed at PSV Eindhoven before playing for Manchester United, Lyon, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid. During his time at Manchester United from 2015-2017, he disappointed, scoring only 7 goals in 53 matches. Since joining Corinthians in 9/2024, Depay has scored 20 goals and provided 15 assists in 79 matches, contributing to the team's victories in the Campeonato Paulista and Copa do Brasil in 2025, along with the Supercopa do Brasil in 2026.

At the national team level, Depay holds the record for 55 goals in 112 matches since joining the Netherlands squad in 2013, surpassing Robin van Persie's milestone of 50 goals in 102 matches. He has played in major tournaments including the World Cup in 2014, 2022, 2026 and the Euro in 2020, 2024.

Hong Duy (according to Marca)