Marcelo Paz Details Corinthians Updates: Memphis Depay, Transfer Ban Relief and More
Corinthians’ executive director of football, Marcelo Paz, provided key updates on several fronts, including contract negotiations with Memphis Depay, the resolution of a transfer ban related to Rodrigo Garro, and the team’s preparation for upcoming matches. Paz shared these insights in an exclusive interview with Desimpedidos on R7 on February 20, 2026.
Memphis Depay’s Future at Corinthians
Regarding the continuity of Memphis Depay, whose current contract is set to expire on June 20, 2026, Paz expressed optimism. He cited the player’s positive attitude and desire to remain with the club as encouraging signs. “My expectations are good, because we notice in his behavior, in his attitudes, in his smile, that he wants to stay at Corinthians,” Paz stated. He emphasized the importance of aligning the player’s wishes with the club’s project and resolving outstanding issues to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. “When the athlete has the desire, things move more fluidly. As Corinthians also has the desire, naturally I think we will be able to reach an equation that is good for both sides. The hope is that it stays. He is an idol, a champion athlete and a leader of the squad.”
Transfer Ban Relief with Talleres
Paz highlighted the crucial role of Corinthians President Osmar Stabile in resolving the debt with Talleres (ARG) concerning midfielder Rodrigo Garro. Stabile’s diplomatic efforts led to a significant improvement in relations between the two clubs, effectively removing the immediate threat of a new transfer ban. “President Osmar Stabile is very skilled in this type of situation, he is a gentleman. He went to Argentina, he was very well received there by President Andrés Fassi […] and there was an important institutional rapprochement between Corinthians and Talleres,” Paz explained. “What I can say to the fans is that [the transfer ban] it is much further away, because there was dialogue, attempts and understanding on both sides. The conversation today is much more fluid.”
Zakaria Labyad, Yuri Alberto, and Reinforcements
Paz also provided an update on Zakaria Labyad’s bureaucratic situation, confirming that the player is in the process of obtaining his work visa and is physically preparing for play. He also stated that Corinthians will continue to monitor the market for potential reinforcements until the transfer window closes on March 3, 2026, regardless of Yuri Alberto’s injury status. “Zakaria [Labyad] you are getting his work visa and there is no problem beyond that. While he doesn’t have a visa, he is physically working, because he had a deficit due to being out of work for two months. He will now be registered and available to play. As for Yuri [Alberto] and hiring, as long as there is a window, there can be reinforcement. Until March 3rd, we are paying attention to the market and looking at the situations. Yuri will return soon and is a very important player for us, but regardless of his injury or not, we are in the market looking at opportunities.”
Next Challenge: Paulistão Quarter-Finals
Corinthians will face Portuguesa in the quarter-finals of Paulistão 2026 on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 8:30 PM (Brasília time) in Canindé. The match will be broadcast on Desimpedidos and R7 platforms.