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

Memphis Depay, the former Manchester United striker, has agreed to accept a significant pay cut to remain at Corinthians, despite the Brazilian club initially deciding against renewing his contract. Depay, 32, had accused Corinthians of "unacceptable behavior" after the club withdrew a previously agreed extension to his two-year deal signed in 2024.

However, Corinthians president Osmar Stabile has now confirmed that Depay has reduced his financial demands significantly to sign a new contract with the Sao Paulo club until 2028. Stabile acknowledged that the process was lengthy but emphasized that everything worked out in the end, with the team finding a way to afford the contract.

Depay has scored 20 goals in 79 appearances for Corinthians and was instrumental in their victories in the Copa do Brasil in 2025 and the Supercopa do Brasil this year. The club, currently ninth in Brazil's Serie A, had initially opted not to extend his contract due to financial concerns. According to ESPN Brasil, Depay has agreed to waive about R$21m (approximately £2.9m) from R$75m (around £10.6m) owed to the club as part of the new two-year deal, totaling R$135m (£19.1m). The remaining R$54m (£7.6m) will be paid in four installments beginning in January 2027.