Memphis Depay’s adventure with Corinthians has taken a sharp downturn. The Dutch international arrived in Brazil just ten months ago amid anticipation and early flashes of brilliance, winning the Campeonato Paulista in March.

But beneath the surface, a contract dispute over unpaid performance bonuses has thrown his future into doubt. According to Spanish daily AS, Depay is owed around €730,000—a debt that could rise to over €1.47 million as image rights and further incentives come due.

The club’s delay in fulfilling these financial commitments has severely strained the relationship, with Depay reportedly threatening to break his contract unless the matter is promptly resolved.

Protest, Sanctions, and Rocky Form

Depay’s frustration boiled over in recent weeks as he missed training sessions in protest, garnering disciplinary action from the Corinthians board. The situation escalated after the club missed key payments, and Brazilian media reported Depay’s open threat to sever ties if not paid soon.

On the pitch, the tension poured into his performances: after a promising start, he’s been notably absent in the last four matches, logging just 136 minutes and failing to score—a shadow of the influential player who once galvanized the squad.

This inconsistency and perceived lack of commitment have drawn criticism from club legends and local press alike, echoing career-long concerns about Depay’s focus during turbulent periods.

The controversy is not unprecedented—Depay faced similar scrutiny during spells at Manchester United and Lyon, earning a reputation for clashing with clubs over both sporting and contractual issues. Corinthians fans, who were initially captivated by his flair, now question his reliability as the team faces a critical stretch in the Brazilian Serie A.

Exit on the Horizon?

With patience wearing thin on both sides, speculation swirls about Depay’s next move. Reports in Turkey speculate a move to the Süper Lig soon, while hints emerge that he may seek a swift exit from South America if no agreement is reached. Despite public statements about enjoying “pure football” in Brazil and earlier invitations for Neymar to join him at Corinthians, Depay’s frustrations now overshadow his initial optimism.

The club, meanwhile, confronts the challenge of balancing financial responsibility with maintaining a competitive squad—and avoiding the destabilizing effect of losing a high-profile signing under acrimonious circumstances.

Memphis Depay’s future at Corinthians hangs in the balance, with salary disputes and disciplinary issues clouding what was supposed to be a career-resurging step in Brazil’s top flight. What happens next could set the tone for both the player and the club’s upcoming campaigns.