World

Memphis Depay accuses Corinthians of breaking contract extension agreement

Herz — World Desk · 12 August 2026 at 08:35 · 30s summary · 2 min read

The essentials

Memphis Depay has accused Corinthians of “unacceptable behaviour” after the Brazilian club decided not to renew his contract. The 32-year-old Netherlands forward says an extension had been approved by the club president and its sporting, legal and financial departments before being withdrawn. Corinthians says a commitment of that size would be incompatible with its financial balance and long-term sustainability. Depay, who joined the São Paulo club in 2024, is now a free agent after scoring 20 goals in 79 appearances and winning two domestic trophies.

Depay says an approved contract extension was later withdrawn.
Corinthians says its decision was necessary to protect the club’s finances.
The 32-year-old Netherlands forward is now a free agent.
He scored 20 goals in 79 appearances for Corinthians.

What we know

Memphis Depay has accused Corinthians of “unacceptable behaviour” and breaking an agreement after the Brazilian club decided not to renew his contract, according to the BBC and Yahoo Sports.

Depay says the club president and its sporting, legal and financial departments had explicitly approved an extension. He claims the offer was subsequently withdrawn.

Corinthians says the decision was based on financial considerations. According to the club, another commitment of that size would be incompatible with its financial balance and long-term sustainability.

The 32-year-old is now a free agent. He joined the São Paulo-based club in 2024 on a two-year contract. Corinthians were seventh in Brazil’s Série A at the time of publication.

Both sides plan to speak publicly

Depay says he will address the dispute publicly in the coming days. He has said he intends to defend his interests and will not allow the conduct he alleges to go without consequences.

Corinthians also plans to hold a press conference in the coming days. Club president Osmar Stabile is expected to discuss the decision not to extend Depay’s contract.