Memphis Depay has accused Corinthians of “unacceptable behaviour” after the Brazilian club decided not to renew his contract despite an extension he says had already been agreed.
The former Manchester United and Barcelona forward joined Corinthians on a two-year contract in 2024. His deal has now expired after he claimed the club withdrew from a previously agreed extension.
Depay said the renewal had been approved by Corinthians president Osmar Stabile as well as members of the club’s sporting, legal and financial departments. He accused some officials of subsequently breaching that agreement.
“This renewal was explicitly agreed upon by the president as well as the sporting, legal and financial department. Some people decided however to breach this engagement,” Depay wrote on social media.
The Netherlands international said he had always respected Corinthians and did not want the dispute to develop. However, he warned that he would take action to protect his interests.
“In the upcoming days I will speak publicly but rest assured that I will not leave this unacceptable behaviour unsanctioned,” he added.
Depay scored 20 goals in 79 appearances for Corinthians during his time at the club. He also helped the Sao Paulo side win the Copa do Brasil in 2025 and the Supercopa do Brasil earlier this year.
Corinthians said its decision not to extend the 32-year-old’s contract was driven by financial concerns. The club said taking on another major financial commitment would threaten the balance it needs to maintain for its long-term sustainability.
“It became clear that taking on a new commitment of this magnitude would not be compatible with the financial balance we need to preserve to ensure the institution’s sustainability,” Corinthians said in a statement.
The club described the decision as difficult but necessary for its future. It added that Stabile would hold a press conference in the coming days to explain the circumstances surrounding the decision.
Depay remains the Netherlands’ all-time leading goalscorer. However, he failed to score in three appearances at the 2026 World Cup. The Dutch side were eliminated in the last 32.
