Rosario Central faces Corinthians amid Memphis Depay contract controversy

Rosario Central prepares to face Corinthians in the Copa Libertadores' round of 16, with the Brazilian club's recent decision not to renew Dutch player Memphis Depay's contract casting a shadow over the match. Both teams enter the tie with comparable tournament records.

Corinthians topped Group E with eleven points, while Rosario Central secured thirteen points in Group H, narrowly missing first place due to a loss against Independiente del Valle. Ángel Di María is expected to lead Rosario Central's offense at home, while Corinthians will be without Depay, whose contract was not extended due to financial reasons. The player expressed his disappointment on social media, stating the club decided not to honor their agreement.

This game marks a reunion between coaches Fernando Diniz and Jorge Almirón, who faced each other in the 2023 Libertadores final, with Diniz's Fluminense triumphing over Almirón's Boca Juniors. Rosario Central boasts the tournament's most solid defense, having conceded only one goal. Domestically, they are eighth in Argentina's Clausura tournament. Corinthians, conversely, has seen a dip in form, failing to win in their last three Libertadores matches and recently exiting the Copa do Brasil. They currently sit seventh in the Brasileirao, struggling to keep pace with leaders Palmeiras.

Financial difficulties, including a FIFA embargo for unpaid debts, have hindered Corinthians' ability to sign new players. This situation contributed to Depay's departure, despite an earlier agreement to extend his contract by two years, which involved salary reductions and a revised payment plan for the club's accumulated debt.