Ex-Man Utd forward Depay takes pay cut to stay at Corinthians

Former Manchester United striker Memphis Depay has agreed to take a substantial pay cut in order to continue his stay at Brazilian club Corinthians. The 32-year-old, who has netted 20 goals in 79 appearances for the Sao Paulo side, initially faced a standoff with the club after they opted not to renew his contract. Depay accused Corinthians of "unacceptable behaviour" following the decision to cancel a previously agreed two-year extension.

However, Corinthians president Osmar Stabile has now revealed that Depay has significantly reduced his financial demands to secure a new deal until 2028. Stabile emphasized that the process was lengthy but ultimately successful, stating that the move was in the best interests of both parties, particularly from a financial perspective.

Depay has already scored 20 goals in 79 appearances for Corinthians, contributing to their victories in both the Copa do Brasil in 2025 and the Supercopa do Brasil this year. The club, currently ninth in Brazil's Serie A, had initially refused to extend his contract due to financial concerns. According to ESPN Brasil, Depay has waived approximately R$21m (£2.9m) from the R$75m (£10.6m) owed to him as part of the new two-year deal, which is worth a total of R$135m (£19.1m).

The remainder of the debt, R$54m (£7.6m), is set to be paid in four installments beginning in January 2027. Stabile stated that Depay's reduction was significant and motivated by his desire to remain with the club and the need for Corinthians to find a way to pay the remaining debt. Despite not scoring in the 2026 World Cup, Depay remains the Netherlands' all-time leading goalscorer.