Memphis Depay presses Corinthians over delays and receives warning before squad

Memphis Depay, the Dutch star of Corinthians, expressed his dissatisfaction with the club’s financial and political crises during a meeting on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at the Joaquim Grava Training Center in São Paulo. His unannounced absence from training on Wednesday led to a formal warning in front of the squad, accompanied by a fine for the training center’s “caixinha.” The number 10’s actions reflect unease over R$4.7 million in delayed bonuses and communication issues with the board, worsened by the departure of president Augusto Melo and other directors. Depay demanded greater transparency but was reprimanded for prioritizing personal matters. Despite the conflict, he apologized and reaffirmed his commitment to the club’s project.

Depay’s discontent is not isolated. The instability at Corinthians, marked by management changes and financial struggles, has impacted the squad’s daily routine. The meeting with interim president Osmar Stabile and football executive director Fabinho Soldado was tense but also an attempt at reconciliation. The Dutchman, who joined the club in September 2024 with a high-cost contract, stressed the need for clearer communication, especially after his staff’s notifications about financial delays went unanswered.

The situation gained public attention after the player’s absence from training, unusual for an athlete with no history of indiscipline. Corinthians, aware of the case’s impact, chose to address it openly, holding a discussion with the squad. The warning, according to internal sources, aimed to reinforce discipline and prevent precedents, but it also exposed the current management’s vulnerabilities.

• Key issues raised by Memphis:
• R$4.7 million delay in bonuses for the 2025 São Paulo State Championship title.
• Lack of responses to notifications sent by his staff.
• Difficulty contacting the new board after management changes.
• Political instability following Augusto Melo’s impeachment.

Tense meeting at Joaquim Grava CT

The Thursday meeting at Joaquim Grava CT marked a turning point in the relationship between Memphis Depay and Corinthians. The player, who had previously publicly criticized the club over R$6.1 million in delays (including image rights settled in June), voiced frustration with administrative disorganization. The departure of Pedro Silveira, former financial director and Memphis’s main contact during his signing, further hindered dialogue. Osmar Stabile, who took over as interim president after Augusto Melo’s impeachment in May 2025, tried to ease tensions, but the lack of concrete answers frustrated the player’s staff.

The 40-minute meeting involved not only the board but also coach Dorival Júnior, who mediated the discussion. Memphis was firm in demanding clarity on financial delays and the club’s strategy to address them. Fabinho Soldado emphasized the importance of focusing on sporting goals, noting that financial issues are being handled by the administration.

Public warning and apology

On Friday, July 11, Memphis returned to training but not before facing a public warning in front of the squad. Corinthians’ decision to address the issue openly was strategic: to prevent the absence from being seen as privilege or lack of commitment. Under the CT’s sun, the discussion with the group lasted nearly 30 minutes. Dorival Júnior and Fabinho Soldado stressed that personal issues cannot override collective goals, while Memphis, in a conciliatory gesture, apologized for missing Wednesday’s training.

The punishment was symbolic but significant. Memphis will contribute to the CT’s “caixinha,” a fund for minor fines from infractions like tardiness or absences. While common in Brazilian clubs, the measure underscores the board’s effort to maintain discipline during a crisis. Memphis, with no prior disciplinary issues, accepted the penalty and participated in tactical drills, partnering with Romero in attack.

Financial crisis: the burden of delays

Corinthians’ financial crisis is a key driver of Memphis’s discontent. The club owes him R$4.7 million in bonuses for the 2025 São Paulo State Championship, a contractual obligation. Delays in payments to Gocil, the company handling the player’s security, and a minor delay in squad salaries in July heightened tensions. Despite settling R$1.4 million in image rights in June, the bonus issue remains unresolved.

The board acknowledges that recent turmoil, including leadership changes and director exits, has disrupted financial management. Internal sources say the club is seeking new commercial partners to balance its books, with Memphis even offering to assist in securing sponsorships. However, the lack of immediate funds keeps the issue unresolved, directly affecting relations with the squad.

• Corinthians’ financial liabilities:
• R$4.7 million in bonuses owed to Memphis Depay.
• Delayed payments to Gocil, Memphis’s security provider.
• Minor salary delay for the squad in July 2025.
• Debts to other suppliers and former partners, such as VaideBet.

Political instability at the club

Augusto Melo’s exit from the presidency in May 2025, following an impeachment process, ushered in a period of uncertainty at Corinthians. Osmar Stabile, now interim president, faces the challenge of stabilizing the club amid allegations and investigations, like the VaideBet case involving Melo and former directors. The management shift caught Memphis off guard, as he had built a direct relationship with the previous board, particularly Pedro Silveira.

The lack of administrative continuity hindered communication with the player’s staff. A notification sent in May demanding overdue payments went unanswered, causing frustration. The new board, still reorganizing, is working to restore dialogue, but the complexity of financial and legal issues has delayed solutions. As a foreigner, Memphis faces additional challenges in navigating the club’s political landscape, amplifying his unease.

Commitment to the Corinthians project

Despite his grievances, Memphis Depay reaffirmed his commitment to Corinthians. Since joining, the Dutchman has been a leader on the pitch, with 13 goals and 14 assists in 40 matches by July 2025. His role in securing the São Paulo State Championship underscores his importance. In recent training sessions, he showed dedication, actively participating in tactical drills under Dorival Júnior’s guidance.

The coach, treating the episode as resolved, named Memphis a starter for the match against RB Bragantino, set for Sunday, July 13, at 7 p.m., at Neo Química Arena. The game marks Corinthians’ return to the Brasileirão after a month-long break, and Memphis’s presence is vital for the team’s competitiveness.

Fan and squad reactions

Corinthians’ fanbase, vocal on social media, is split over the issue. Some supporters back Memphis, recognizing his value and criticizing the board for financial delays. Others questioned his absence, demanding greater commitment. The public warning, though debated, was well-received by parts of the Fiel fanbase, who value the board’s transparency.

Within the squad, the matter was handled maturely. Players like Yuri Alberto and Romero, close to Memphis, joined the CT discussion and reinforced team unity. The coaching staff, led by Dorival Júnior, believes the episode, though sensitive, could strengthen group cohesion for the season ahead.

Preparing for the Brasileirão return

Corinthians now focuses on the clash with RB Bragantino, a key test after a month without official matches. The lineup featuring Memphis and Romero in attack signals Dorival Júnior’s intent to maintain offensive strength despite off-field issues. The club, seventh in the Brasileirão with 44 points, aims for a home win to solidify its standing.

Meanwhile, the board is working to address financial liabilities. Osmar Stabile pledged to prioritize settling overdue bonuses, but securing funds remains a challenge. The Memphis case, though officially resolved, serves as a warning of the need for greater stability at the club.

Memphis’s role in Corinthians’ future

Memphis Depay, contracted until 2026, is central to Corinthians’ ambition to remain among Brazil’s top clubs. His on-field skill and off-field influence, such as aiding in sponsorship pursuits, are valuable assets. However, his stay hinges on the club’s ability to navigate its financial and political crises.

The upcoming transfer window in August 2025 may bring new developments to this relationship. For now, Memphis remains focused on contributing to the team’s success, while the board races to stabilize finances and rebuild trust with the squad.