When Memphis Depay made the leap to Brazilian football, his arrival was anything but understated. The Dutch forward wasn’t just set to make an impact on the field but also to become one of the highest-paid players in Brazil. The negotiations to bring Depay to Corinthians were far from ordinary, involving a hefty price tag to ensure the star striker would wear the São Paulo club’s jersey.

The Skyrocketing Salary

Depay’s salary package was one of the most talked-about aspects of his transfer. The former Barcelona player’s salary in Brazil started at around $12 million annually, but it could climb even higher, with the potential to hit $14 million this year. And if the Dutchman meets all of his contract's performance incentives, that figure could soar to approximately $20 million.

The contract has raised eyebrows across the football world, and the scale of the deal was revealed by Globo Esporte. To offset the costs of keeping a high-profile player like Depay in Brazil, Corinthians has leaned heavily on sponsorship deals to ensure the financial sustainability of the agreement.

Life Off the Pitch

Apart from the lucrative contract, Depay has been ensured a level of comfort off the pitch, making it easier for him to settle into life in Brazil. The club went the extra mile to cater to the player’s needs:

• A private residence within a gated community
• An apartment for his personal advisor
• Private armed security
• Two bulletproof cars with a driver for each
• A private chef
• 24 business-class flights per year between Brazil and Europe
• A private box at the Neo Química Arena, Corinthians’ home stadium

These added perks reflect the club’s efforts to make the transition to Brazil as smooth as possible for the star player, who is now a central figure in the team.

Exit Clause and Transfer Incentives

Despite the high-profile contract, Depay has protected himself in case he decides to leave Brazilian football. One of the most interesting clauses in his deal is the option to terminate his contract with Corinthians for a relatively low fee of $5.5 million. This amount seems insignificant if Depay decides to return to European football.

Additionally, Memphis stands to benefit financially should he ever transfer to another club. If a Brazilian team buys him, he would receive 20% of the transfer fee. However, if a European or non-Brazilian club comes in for his services, the percentage he would pocket jumps to 50%.

Performance-Based Bonuses

The contract also includes several performance-based incentives, allowing Depay to increase his earnings based on his contributions on the field. These incentives revolve around goal involvement, with bonuses for reaching anywhere between 15 and 30 goal contributions in a season. Additionally, playing a high percentage of matches—between 60% and 70%—is part of his performance targets.

An even greater motivation for the player lies in being named “Player of the Match.” If Depay is selected as the top performer in 50% of the games he plays, his earnings will rise accordingly. Furthermore, should Corinthians win any major trophies during his tenure, Depay stands to see his contract value increase, especially if he features prominently in those victories, like being named in the tournament’s best XI.

Impressive Start

Since his arrival in São Paulo, Depay has made a strong start to life in Brazilian football. By 2024, he had played 14 games, scoring seven goals and providing four assists in 991 minutes of action. With such an impact already, it’s clear that the Dutchman is living up to his high expectations, and Corinthians will hope that his performances continue to justify the hefty investment.

With a contract packed with financial incentives and perks, Depay’s move to Brazil is a far cry from the usual transfer to South America. His presence in the Brazilian league not only elevates Corinthians but also sets a new precedent for the types of deals European stars can secure when making the jump across the Atlantic.