In a surprising turn of events, Dutch striker Memphis Depay is set to make waves in Brazilian football by signing a two-year deal with Corinthians, leaving Atletico Madrid on a free transfer. The announcement, made on Monday, saw Depay proudly holding up a Corinthians jersey and meeting with club executives, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the talented forward. 

Depay, who has previously graced the fields of PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, Lyon, and Barcelona, now turns his attention to Brazil's footballing scene. Although his stint with Atletico Madrid in early 2023 saw him score 13 goals in 40 appearances, persistent injuries curtailed his impact in Spain. 

 

The transfer, valued at approximately 70 million reais ($12.5 million), comes amid Corinthians' financial challenges. To ease the burden, a team sponsor will cover part of Depay's salary. The 29-year-old striker will undergo medical tests before arriving in Sao Paulo later this week. 

Corinthians, known as "Timao," are one of Brazil's most storied clubs but currently find themselves struggling in the Brazilian Serie A, sitting 17th out of 25 teams. Despite this, they've shown promise by reaching the quarter-finals of both the Copa do Brasil and Copa Sudamericana.