Memphis Depay praises André’s talent, advises Corinthians against selling ‘young star’ to Milan

In a significant public statement, Dutch football sensation Memphis Depay has urged Corinthians to resist the immediate temptation of selling rising star André, despite strong interest from AC Milan. Depay took to social media to laud the young midfielder’s exceptional abilities, positioning him as a generational talent.

The intervention comes amidst escalating transfer speculation surrounding the 19-year-old Brazilian, with Milan reportedly pushing to finalize a deal that has encountered significant hurdles.

Depay’s unsolicited advice highlights the intense scrutiny and high stakes involved in securing promising young players in today’s global transfer market.

Depay champions young talent

On the morning of Sunday, March 8, 2026, Corinthians’ own number 10, Memphis Depay, utilized X to express his admiration for André. He unequivocally declared, “André is one of the biggest talents I have seen so far in my career.” This high praise from a player of Depay’s caliber instantly amplified the attention on the young Brazilian.

Memphis then issued a direct plea to his club, stating, “Many clubs will come for our young star. So I hope we don’t rush him for the quick money. He’s a big bank player honestly.” His comments directly challenged the potential short-term financial gains against the long-term value of retaining such a talent.

Milan’s persistent pursuit

AC Milan has tabled a formal offer of 17 million euros, approximately 103 million Brazilian Reais, for 70% of André’s economic rights held by Corinthians. This proposal includes 15 million euros fixed and an additional 2 million euros in performance-based bonuses contingent on achievements while André remains in Brazil.

Despite the substantial offer, Corinthians has signaled its unwillingness to part with André at the proposed valuation, believing the player’s potential far exceeds the current terms. This has created a deadlock in negotiations, with Milan reportedly steadfast in not increasing their bid.

The intricate situation gained further public traction following a report by journalist Fabrizio Romano, which indicated Milan’s firm stance on their presented terms, drawing Memphis Depay’s public response.

Contractual dispute looms large

Sources close to AC Milan and André’s representation maintain that the transfer is, in their view, largely complete. They assert that contract drafts have already been exchanged between the clubs, establishing a binding agreement, with the only outstanding formality being the signature of Corinthians President Osmar Stabile.

Should Corinthians ultimately withdraw from the deal, Milan and André’s camp believe such an action could constitute a breach of contract. Consequently, they contend that FIFA might recognize the exchanged documentation as a legally binding agreement, paving the way for Milan to potentially escalate the matter to football’s international governing body to enforce André’s acquisition even without Stabile’s signature.

Corinthians stands firm on valuation

Corinthians, however, remains undeterred by the prospect of a FIFA dispute. The club’s leadership asserts that no binding agreement exists without the official signature of President Osmar Stabile, who, as the sole legal representative, has not approved the sale. They firmly believe that without this crucial endorsement, André has not been officially released to any club.

The Brazilian club’s confidence stems from its legal interpretation of the negotiation process, highlighting that internal club procedures and official signatures are non-negotiable prerequisites for any player transfer. This rigid stance underscores Corinthians’ commitment to maximizing the value of its prized asset and avoiding what it perceives as an undervalued transaction.

André’s rise to prominence in 2025

André’s rapid ascent in professional football began in August 2025, when he was integrated into Corinthians’ senior squad. Since then, he has participated in 24 matches, earning a starting position in nine of those appearances, significantly increasing his playing time towards the latter part of the previous season.

Despite his youth, the defensive midfielder played a pivotal role in Corinthians’ successful 2025 campaigns. His consistent performances were instrumental in securing both the Copa do Brasil and Supercopa do Brasil titles for the club.

André’s maturity, tactical awareness, and exceptional ball-winning capabilities quickly caught the attention of prominent European clubs. Milan, in particular, identified him as an ideal candidate to bolster their midfield with a young player possessing substantial potential for future appreciation.

His impressive command of the midfield and ability to seamlessly transition from defense to attack marked him as a versatile and indispensable player for the Timão.

Future prospects and transfer window

If the agreement between Corinthians and Milan is eventually formalized in the coming months, André is expected to remain with the Brazilian club until the opening of the next international transfer window. At that point, he would then travel to Italy to complete medical examinations and sign a definitive contract with AC Milan.