‘Lesser Destination’ – Spanish Media Blast Former Manchester United and Barcelona Man’s Move

Netherlands striker Memphis Depay has made a surprising move to Brazilian club Corinthians, signing a contract that will keep him at the club until 2026.

The 30-year-old Dutch striker, who previously played for top European clubs including Manchester United, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid, is set to make his debut outside of Europe for the first time in his career.

The Brazilian club announced the news with excitement on social media, posting, “Memphis Depay is from Corinthians! The Dutch striker arrives at Corinthians with a contract valid until 2026.” This move marks a new chapter for Depay, who left Atlético Madrid in June 2024 after scoring nine goals in 31 appearances for the Spanish side last season.

While Corinthians fans have met his arrival with enthusiasm, not everyone shares the same level of excitement. Spanish sports outlet Marca has cast doubts on the move, suggesting that joining the Brazilian league represents a step down for a player of Depay’s calibre. In their coverage, they noted, “He was not successful after a European Championship where he showed glimpses of how good a striker he is today, and the Brazilian Championship ends up being a lesser destination for a player who has already participated in several of the most important leagues in La Liga and Europe in the last decade.”

Despite the criticism, Depay’s career achievements speak for themselves. Having started his professional journey at PSV Eindhoven, where he rose to prominence, he made a high-profile move to Manchester United in 2014. Since then, he has played for several top European clubs, winning major trophies such as the FA Cup, League Cup, and Europa League with United, and La Liga with Barcelona. His versatility, skill, and experience have made him a standout forward in Europe for many years.

He joins a side struggling in Brazil. Known as Timão or ‘Great One,’ they’re a shadow of their former selves. They’re 17th in the table and have experienced some inconsistency with results. Notable performances include a 2-1 win against Flamengo in early September, but those wins have been few and far between. Their current position would see them relegated to Brazilian Championship Series B for only the second time since it started in 1971.  They’re two points shy of safety, having played a game more than the teams above.

Site Opinion

Whether Memphis Depay will succeed in Brazil with Corinthians is a question that hinges on several factors. Depay has a wealth of experience at the highest levels, having played for some of Europe’s biggest clubs like Manchester United, Barcelona, and Lyon. His technical ability, versatility, and tactical intelligence could allow him to thrive in the Brazilian league, which, while different in style and intensity from European competitions, could suit his skill set. If he adapts well to the pace and physicality of the Brazilian game, he can become a key figure at Corinthians.

However, it’s fair to question whether moving to Brazil represents a step down for a player who has spent most of his career in Europe’s top leagues. While highly competitive domestically, the Brazilian league is generally seen as a lower-profile destination compared to Europe’s elite leagues like La Liga or the Premier League. Some might argue that Depay’s decision to move outside Europe could signal the later stages of his career, where players often seek different challenges or more favourable conditions.

Ultimately, Depay’s success will depend on his ability to adapt to the new environment and his hunger to make an impact in Brazil. With his experience and talent, he has the potential to make a significant contribution at Corinthians, but whether he can replicate his European success remains to be seen.