End of the Open War? Corinthians Backtrack and Resume Depay Negotiations

Corinthians have re-entered negotiations with Memphis Depay regarding a contract renewal, a surprising U-turn after the club publicly announced the withdrawal of their offer last week. According to Globoesporte, President Osmar Stabile is now discussing new terms to secure the number 10's continued stay.

The initiative to reopen dialogue reportedly came from the Dutch player himself. Memphis Depay is said to have developed a strong emotional connection with Corinthians and expressed a desire not to leave Brazil at this stage of his career, indicating a willingness to be flexible with payment terms.

The primary demand from the Corinthians board is a reduction of approximately five million euros from the total contract value, which is estimated at 26 million euros. This amount already includes a previous debt of seven million euros from his last contract.

To make the operation financially viable, the club's marketing department is actively seeking commercial partners who can help cover the costs associated with the renewal. Concurrently, President Osmar Stabile has submitted the details and conditions of the new proposal to the Orientation Council, awaiting a favorable opinion to proceed with the agreement.

Stabile's decision to resume negotiations, however, has sparked significant internal dissent. Allies of the president, who only learned of the reversal last Friday, expressed outrage at the situation. Many believe the president negatively exposed the club by prolonging negotiations beyond what was reasonable, even those who had always opposed Memphis's renewal. Dissatisfaction grew due to Stabile not having previously informed his closest advisors about the possibility of re-engaging in talks with the player.

It's worth noting that the president did not travel with the team to Argentina, where Corinthians drew with Rosario Central in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores Round of 16. After the match, Fernando Diniz expressed his sadness and disappointment with the outcome of the negotiations, stating that he had considered Memphis Depay's stay with the team a certainty.