Memphis Depay Pushes for Corinthians Exit as Gulf Interest Grows
Memphis Depay is pushing for an exit from Corinthians this month as uncertainty continues to surround his future in Brazil, with the Dutch forward eager for a new challenge after a turbulent spell in Sao Paulo.
The Netherlands international joined the Brazilian giants in September 2024 following an 18 month stint at Atletico Madrid, but his time in the Brasileirao has been marked by off field issues and limited continuity, prompting the 31 year old to seek a move away before his contract expires in July.
Corinthians were previously open to extending his deal despite disputes over unpaid bonuses, but relations have cooled. Depay skipped training last year amid claims he was owed £625,000, with a further £1.25m reportedly due in September 2025, creating ongoing tension between player and club.
The situation has reignited interest from abroad. Several Gulf clubs are monitoring his availability, with Shabab Al Ahli and Al Wasl both linked as potential destinations for the all time leading scorer in Netherlands history.
Depay’s club uncertainty comes against the backdrop of a remarkable international year. In September, he scored his 51st goal for the Oranje, moving past Robin van Persie to become the Netherlands’ record scorer, a milestone that underlined his enduring influence at international level.
That achievement was followed by another landmark as Depay also became the national team’s leading assist provider. He registered two assists in a 4 0 win over Finland in October as Ronald Koeman’s side cruised through World Cup qualification.
The Netherlands topped their group with six wins and two draws, scoring 27 goals in total. Depay was directly involved in 12 of them, netting eight times and providing four assists, including a decisive brace against Lithuania that sealed his place in the record books.
While his international form remains sharp, club minutes have been harder to come by. Depay started only 17 league games for Corinthians last season, raising concerns over match fitness with the World Cup approaching.
Koeman’s side will face Norway and Ecuador during the March international break as preparations intensify for the tournament in North America later this year. The Netherlands have been drawn alongside Japan, Tunisia, and one of Ukraine, Sweden, or Poland, a group viewed as navigable but demanding consistency.
For Depay, securing regular football is now the priority. With his long stated ambition of winning the World Cup still driving him, the coming weeks could prove decisive as he looks to resolve his club future and keep himself firmly in contention for football’s biggest stage.