Memphis' new deal includes World Cup, sponsor bonuses

Corinthians renewed Memphis Depay's contract until 2028, and new details of the agreement show that the forward will be entitled to different forms of compensation beyond the fixed amounts set out in the deal. The negotiation was concluded after months of impasse between the club and the player.

According to information from ESPN, one of the most curious clauses states that Memphis could receive a percentage if Corinthians manages to qualify for the 2029 Club World Cup. The mechanism can be triggered even if the forward is no longer on the roster when the competition takes place.

The new contract also establishes a significant share for the player in commercial revenues. Memphis will be entitled to 80% of the amounts from sponsors that he himself brings to Corinthians during the term of the deal.

In addition, the forward will keep 20% of the revenue from products licensed by the club that use his name or image. The clause turns Memphis' presence into a commercial opportunity for both parties.

The agreement runs until 2028 and is part of a renegotiation that also involved outstanding amounts from the previous contract. According to ESPN, the total cost of the operation for Corinthians reaches approximately R$135.5 million, considering the renewal and the renegotiation of the existing debt.

The renewal ended a long saga. Corinthians had gone as far as announcing it would not renew with Memphis due to the costs involved, but reversed course after further negotiations and a reduction in some of the player's financial demands.

Memphis also gave up approximately R$13.5 million in previously agreed benefits, including amounts related to cost-of-living allowances and marketing revenue. The change helped make the new deal more viable for the club.

The debt accumulated by Corinthians with the forward was also renegotiated. The amount was set at approximately R$42 million, without interest or adjustments, to be paid in four installments between 2027 and 2028.

On the pitch, fans' expectations are now focused on the Dutchman's return. Memphis has returned to training and shown willingness to be included in the squad for the match against Rosario Central, for the Copa Libertadores, scheduled for Thursday (20th).

The forward has not played since June 25, when he turned out for the Netherlands national team during the World Cup. Since then, he has been off the pitch while the future of his stay at Corinthians was being discussed.

Signed in 2024, Memphis became one of Corinthians' key figures and took part in the club's Campeonato Paulista, Copa do Brasil and Supercopa titles. In total, he has 79 appearances and 20 goals for the club.

With the new contract, Corinthians and Memphis close one of the longest negotiations in Brazilian football in 2026. Now, the challenge will be to turn the investment into on-field performance and also make the most of the forward's commercial potential over the next two years.