Ex-Manchester United and Barcelona forward Memphis Depay risks contract termination with new club Corinthians, owing to alleged ‘illegal activities’. The Brazilian club may be forced to terminate the contract of the player, just a month after signing him, for financial reasons.
Memphis Depay ‘s contract with his former side Atletico Madrid came to an abrupt end this summer, after the player agreed to leave despite a year left on his contract. However, having failed to find any new suitors this summer, the Dutchman decided to join Brazilian Serie A side Corinthians. He has already made four appearances this summer with his new club, but a major financial trouble is now looming upon the club, and Depay’s contract seems to be on the verge of collapsing.
Corinthians are set to lose their primary sponsors, a betting company named Esportes da Sorte, with the company being charged of criminal activity. The Brazilian company are said to be paying most of Depay’s massive salary at the club, but might not be able to pay the rest of Depay’s two year salary owing to the Brazilian government’s denial of a license. The 30-year-old has a £9 million-per-year salary agreement, and would need to take a serious pay cut in order to continue his stay at the new club.
Corinthians could terminate Memphis Depay's contract already.
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) October 8, 2024
The reason? The club are set to lose an important sponsor, suspected of "criminal activity", and that sponsor pays for the majority of his salary.
(Source: @EsportesDaSorte) pic.twitter.com/y3N4rpneQS
It remains to be seen what comes ahead for the 30-year-old Dutch forward, who has often been criticized for his form in the Spanish league, during his stints with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. Emerging out of it, he has shone for Corinthians this summer, having provided two assists in four matches.
Netherlands national team head coach Ronald Koeman has once again omitted experienced forward Memphis Depay out of the squad, for the upcoming international break. The 30-year-forward is yet to play for the national team, since the end of the 2024 Euros in Germany.
Koeman is rumored to have frozen out Depay from the squad, following his recent move to Brazilian Serie A side Corinthians, after having done the same with Steven Bergwijn, who joined Al-Ittihad. Depay’s omission remains a surprise, owing to the fact that he is one of the highest goalscorer for the national team, with 46 goals in 98 appearances.
In place of the forward, Koeman has opted to include other new stars in the Netherlands national team, for their upcoming matches against Hungary and Germany. Donyell Malen, Cody Gakpo, Brian Brobbey, Justin Kluivert and Joshua Zirkzee have been included.
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