Former Manchester United striker Memphis Depay is making headlines again, but this time, it’s not about his football.
The Dutch forward has reportedly been told by his current club Corinthians to pack his bags and leave his luxury hotel suite in Brazil, ending one of the most expensive player living deals in South American football.
From Manchester to Luxury Life in Brazil
Memphis Depay joined Corinthians in 2024 after leaving Atletico Madrid, signing a big contract that came with more than just football terms.
As part of his deal, Depay was offered a luxury residence at the Rosewood Hotel in the heart of São Paulo.
This wasn’t just any hotel stay, it’s believed the deal cost around £35,000 per month, giving the 31-year-old access to his own private chef, full-time security team, and even an armoured car for daily travel.
At first, the arrangement was seen as a show of respect for the big-name Corinthians had managed to attract.
Depay was a European star, a global face, and someone who could help boost the club’s reputation. But now, the glamour seems to be wearing off.
New President Says Enough Is Enough
Things started to change when Osmar Stabile, the new president of Corinthians, came into power earlier this year.
Reports from Brazil suggest that Stabile was shocked when he found out about the financial costs attached to Depay’s contract.
According to local outlet UOL, Stabile believes the player’s hotel lifestyle is “out of touch with the reality of the club,” especially considering the team’s current financial troubles.
The arrangement reportedly costs Corinthians over £400,000 per year, and the new leadership doesn’t see it as sustainable.
The president has now asked Depay to move out of the Rosewood Hotel and instead live in the Alphaville gated community, a more affordable and typical housing area for Corinthians players.
However, sources close to the player claim Depay is refusing to leave, insisting that the club must respect the contractual agreement that was signed under the previous management.
This standoff has now become one of the hottest talking points in Brazilian football.
Depay Still Performing on the Pitch
Despite the off-field drama, Depay’s performances for Corinthians have been quite strong.
Since arriving in 2024, he has scored 16 goals and provided 14 assists in 58 appearances, solid numbers that make him one of the team’s key players.
Fans in Brazil have generally shown support for Depay because of his contributions on the pitch.
However, some sections of the local media have questioned whether the club should be spending so much on a single player while struggling financially.
The situation has put Corinthians in a difficult spot: they don’t want to lose one of their star players, but they also can’t afford to keep spending at this rate.
The Ghost of Manchester United
For many English football fans, this is not the first time Memphis Depay’s name has come up in the headlines for something other than goals.
Depay joined Manchester United from PSV Eindhoven in 2015 for around £25 million, arriving as one of the most exciting young talents in Europe.
Big things were expected from him, he had flair, pace, and confidence. But the move never really worked out.
During his time at Old Trafford, he managed only 7 goals in 53 appearances, and by 2017 he was sold to Lyon.
Later, he would go on to play for Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, rebuilding his career abroad before making the surprising switch to South America.
In his autobiography Heart of a Lion, Depay admitted that his United spell was one of the lowest points of his life.
“I lost myself in Manchester,” Depay wrote. “I blamed everyone, Van Gaal, Mourinho, but not myself. I had lost focus, and I had lost my relationship with God.”
Those words give an insight into how much his early struggles affected him, both personally and professionally.
What Happens Next?
As things stand, Depay’s contract with Corinthians runs until December 2026, meaning the club can’t easily force him to leave the hotel without risking a legal battle.
If he refuses to move, the club could be stuck paying the full cost of his living arrangement.
On the other hand, if the situation worsens, Corinthians might look to renegotiate or even sell him to avoid further drama.
Depay, however, seems in no rush to leave. Sources close to the player suggest he enjoys life in São Paulo and believes he has earned the lifestyle through his on-field performances.
The coming weeks could be crucial, either the club and the player reach a peaceful compromise, or this could turn into a public dispute that might damage both sides.
Memphis Depay’s story is one of talent, flair, and high expectations, but also one filled with lessons.
From Manchester United to Lyon, Barcelona, and now Corinthians, he has lived through both the highs and lows of modern football.
At 31, he still can shine on the pitch, but once again, his life off it is stealing the spotlight.
Whether he stays in his luxury suite or moves into something more modest, one thing is clear, Memphis Depay is still one of football’s most talked-about figures, for better or worse.
For more Manchester United News, follow us on Facebook for instant updates directly to your phone.
Discover more from MUFCNews
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
