Corinthians is currently facing a turbulent phase both on and off the pitch. After a 31-day break for the Super Club World Cup, the team returned to action on July 13, suffering a 2-1 defeat against RB Bragantino at the Neo Química Arena, with the losing goal coming in injury time. This loss deepened the instability surrounding the club, leading to protests from fans after the match.
The situation is equally troubling administratively. President Augusto Melo has been suspended since May, and the club is grappling with issues involving Memphis Depay. The Dutch striker is demanding approximately R$ 4.7 million in unpaid bonuses and has formally warned Corinthians that he may breach his contractual obligations if these amounts are not settled. Additionally, Depay missed a training session without justification, later apologizing to his teammates after a meeting with management, for which he faced a fine.
Despite this turmoil, Depay started in the recent match but delivered a lackluster performance. Corinthians has not announced any new signings during the mid-season transfer window, having failed in negotiations to bring in strikers Biel and Carlos Vinícius. However, the club has managed to reduce parts of its wage bill by selling Igor Coronado to a team in the United Arab Emirates and transferring Giovane to Hellas Verona.
In terms of potential signings, discussions regarding Helitão, a left-back from Goztepe in Turkey, have been abruptly halted. Although he received approval from the sporting director and other club members, the demand of 2 million euros (approximately R$ 13 million) was deemed too high by the management, leading to a decision to end negotiations. Helitão, who was revealed through Santo André and has played for other clubs, was seen as a versatile defensive option, but the club acknowledges other pressing priorities and is focusing on recruits that fit within the current budgetary framework.
The right-back position remains a point of need in the roster and is being closely monitored by the football department. Nevertheless, any new hires will proceed with financial caution. Helitão is currently out of consideration, although he remains on the radar of other Brazilian clubs.
As the club seeks solutions on the field, it is also working to reorganize its structure off it. The next match is scheduled for July 16 against Ceará at Castelão, where coach Dorival Júnior will be without Depay and Romero due to suspensions, alongside the ongoing absence of Yuri Alberto.
This article highlights the need for the Corinthians organization to stabilize both its team performance and administrative issues as they head into their upcoming fixtures, reflecting the resilient spirit of fans and the club’s determination to navigate the challenges ahead.