Memphis travels to sign, but renewal with Corinthians is still uncertain

The report found that the Corinthians board, especially president Osmar Stabile, maintains differences regarding the details of the extension of the contract. The terms had been agreed verbally more than a week ago, but had not yet been formalized.

Among the points of disagreement is the striker's request to receive part of the bonus if Corinthians competes in the 2029 Club World Cup, even if he is no longer part of the squad. The condition would be valid if the place was won through a Libertadores title obtained during the period in which Memphis defended the club. The information was initially published by "Gazeta Esportiva" and confirmed by the report.

As determined by the report, the board considers this clause unfeasible and, to date, has shown no willingness to include it in the contract. The impasse remains among the factors that prevent the negotiation from reaching an outcome.

Another point that remains non-negotiable for Corinthians is the performance of medical examinations before signing the new contract. The requirement is treated as essential by management.

The measure is also influenced by pressure from Osmar Stabile's allies, who show concern about the player's physical condition. Memphis was sidelined for around two months between March and May due to injury and competed in the World Cup with physical limitations.

People linked to the attacker, however, told the report that carrying out the tests does not worry the Dutchman. After around ten days of vacation, granted after the early elimination of the Netherlands team from the World Cup - a result that shook the player -, Memphis began individual physical work.

The training has been carried out with physical trainer Diego Pereira, who worked with the striker at Corinthians between 2024 and 2025. According to people close to the athlete, the main concern at this moment is the lack of rhythm in the game.

This conditioning, according to the player's staff, can only be recovered with collective activities alongside the squad, something that depends on contract renewal. Physically, Memphis believes he will be able to play for a few minutes this Thursday, against Internacional, in the second leg of the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil.

The striker's main objective, however, is to arrive in full condition to play in the two clashes against Rosario Central, in the round of 16 of the Libertadores, scheduled for the 13th and 20th of August.

BEHIND THE SCENES POINTS TO AN UNDEFINITE SCENARIO

Behind the scenes at Corinthians, the assessment is still that the renewal has a good chance of being implemented. Still, people involved in the negotiations do not rule out new impasses, even with Memphis' return to Brazil.

Internally, the negotiation is also accompanied by a dispute over narratives that directly involves President Osmar Stabile. The director faces pressure from different sectors linked to the club.

On the one hand, there is popular support, especially from Gaviões da Fiel, Corinthians' main organized fan base, in favor of the attacker remaining in line with the negotiated salary reduction.

On the other, there is internal political wear and tear, which could influence Stabile's eventual candidacy for president at the end of the year. The leader has not yet publicly confirmed whether he will contest the election. Furthermore, opponents dispute the statutory legitimacy of a possible candidacy, although he works behind the scenes to remain in office.

DEBT IS AN ASSET FOR AGREEMENT

At Parque São Jorge, the debt of approximately R$42 million with Memphis is seen as the main factor that keeps the possibility of Memphis Depay renewing with Corinthians high.

The internal assessment is that this liability weighs heavily on the search for an agreement. If the negotiation is closed without the signing of the new contract, the pending issue may be executed. Considering fines, interest, corrections and other charges, the value can reach around R$80 million.

In return, Memphis has already shown itself willing to maintain the debt set at R$42 million. In this scenario, the payment would be paid in installments between February 2027 and July 2028, the period in which the new relationship with Corinthians would end.