Memphis Depay considering contract termination with Corinthians amid unpaid wages

Dutch international of Ghanaian descent Memphis Depay is weighing the option of terminating his contract with Brazilian giants Corinthians following disputes over unpaid financial obligations.

Depay, 30, penned a two-year deal with the São Paulo-based club in September 2024 after parting ways with Atlético Madrid — a move many considered surprising given his European pedigree. Since arriving, he has quickly become a key figure and helped Corinthians clinch the Campeonato Paulista in March with a victory over fierce rivals Palmeiras.

But despite his early success, tensions have grown behind the scenes. According to reports, Depay has formally notified the club of outstanding debts and warned he may cease fulfilling his professional duties unless the matter is resolved.

Corinthians are said to owe the former Barcelona and Manchester United forward around €1.7 million in bonuses, in addition to the second installment of his €1 million signing bonus, which is due by September 15.

The situation escalated in July when Depay, frustrated with the lack of progress, boycotted training — fueling speculation about his long-term future in Brazil. His initial request for settlement in May, lodged under then-president Augusto Melo, was reportedly ignored.

With Turkish giants Beşiktaş monitoring the situation closely, Corinthians now face the real prospect of losing one of their marquee players just a year into his contract.

The club, already battling financial instability, is understood to be seeking a payment delay agreement, but Depay is reportedly open to early contract termination if the impasse continues.

Losing Depay would be a major setback for Corinthians, both on and off the pitch, as the Dutch-Ghanaian star has been central to their recent revival.