- Memphis Depay signs with Corinthians until December 2026.
- Koeman says Depay’s Brazil move doesn’t end his international career.
- Depay’s transfer highlights a trend of European players moving to South America.
Dutch forward Memphis Depay has signed a two-year contract with Brazilian club Corinthians, extending through December 2026. Depay, who recently departed Atletico Madrid as a free agent, joins the Brazilian side after a season in which he made 31 appearances and scored nine goals for the Spanish club.
The 30-year-old forward featured prominently for the Netherlands in Euro 2024 but was notably left out of the squad by national team coach Ronald Koeman for the Nations League matches in September. Despite this omission, Koeman has stated that Depay’s move to Brazil does not necessarily mark the end of his international career. This stance contrasts with the situation of Steven Bergwijn, a former teammate who faced criticism from Koeman for joining the Saudi Pro League.
Depay’s decision to move to Corinthians comes as part of a broader trend of European players seeking new opportunities in other leagues. His transfer highlights a growing interest in Brazilian football from experienced European players, a trend that could influence both the Brazilian league and international football dynamics.
While Depay’s transfer to Brazil might be seen as a significant shift, it is not expected to diminish his potential to return to the Dutch national team in the future. Koeman’s open stance suggests that Depay’s performance and contributions at Corinthians will be closely monitored, leaving the door open for future international appearances.
Overall, Memphis Depay’s move to Corinthians represents a new chapter in his career, offering him a platform to showcase his skills in Brazil. It also underscores the ongoing evolution of football transfers and international team selections in response to changing player dynamics and league interests.
Ronald Koeman addressed the impact of Memphis Depay’s recent transfer to Brazil’s Corinthians on his international future, contrasting it with the situation of Steven Bergwijn. Koeman indicated that Depay’s move to the Brazilian league, perceived as less competitive than some European leagues, does not necessarily preclude him from being part of the Netherlands national team. The coach emphasized that Depay’s continued inclusion in the squad will depend on his fitness and form, suggesting that a successful stint in Brazil could still keep him in contention for future international matches.
Koeman’s comments reflect a nuanced view of player transfers and their implications for national team selection. While Bergwijn faced criticism from Koeman for his decision to join the Saudi Pro League, which is seen as a less competitive environment, Depay’s transfer to Brazil is viewed differently due to the league’s varying level of competition. Koeman’s openness to including Depay highlights the coach’s focus on player performance and condition over mere league affiliation.
Depay, who began his professional career at PSV Eindhoven in 2011, has had a diverse career across major European clubs, including Manchester United, Lyon, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid. Despite leaving Atletico Madrid as a free agent in July, he remains a key figure in Dutch football, having scored 46 goals in 98 appearances for the national team since his debut in 2013.
