Memphis Depay waiting on €1.7m payment from Corinthians as Dutch attacker misses training with Brazil side due to virus

Depay, who arrived in Brazil just 10 months ago, is now contemplating a move away as unpaid bonuses strain his relationship with Corinthians. The forward is owed around €1.7 million in unpaid performance bonuses, and has grown frustrated with the club’s financial delays. The Brazilian club, meanwhile, are negotiating to postpone his dues, while also preparing to cover the second instalment of his €1m signing-on fee, which is due by September 15. Amid all this, the 31-year-old suffered a setback off the pitch as he was diagnosed with a viral infection on Monday and missed two training sessions under medical observation.

Depay arrived in Brazil with high expectations and made an immediate impact, helping Corinthians win the Campeonato Paulista in March. But the mood has shifted quickly in the last few weeks, with the striker threatening to terminate the contract. Notably, Corinthians’ financial troubles go way beyond Depay. The club still owes around €6m to Santos Laguna, a debt that has already triggered a FIFA transfer ban. Until that is sorted, they can’t register any new players. To bring in some quick cash, Corinthians are also talking with partners about a potential deal with Liga Forte Uniao (LFU) that could be worth €10.3m. But with nothing signed yet, the club remains in a tough spot just weeks before some crucial games.

Depay featured in 35 games last season, chipping in with eight goals and 10 assists. But despite those numbers, his old reputation for clashing with clubs, something fans saw before at Manchester United and Lyon, has popped up again in Brazil. Meanwhile, reports in Turkey claim Besiktas are lining up a move, with the Dutch forward now looking to leave South America if Corinthians don’t get their finances in order.

Corinthians expect Depay to return to action in September, with the aim of having him fit for the Copa do Brasil quarter-final second leg against Athletico-PR on September 11. But unless the club can settle his dues, speculation over an abrupt departure will continue to float.