As the rumours grew, so did the fans' expectations of seeing a player who would raise the technical level of the squad. Negotiations progressed well before the desired agreement was reached, which put a new destination in the player's career and a new star in Corinthians' history.
His presentation on the pitch of the Neo Quimica Arena, where he had scored a goal in the 2014 World Cup, made it clear that we were looking at something different.
Memphis stayed away from sportswear, introducing himself to the new Corinthians fans wearing a stylish jacket with a tie. Right there, he was given the number 94 shirt, in reference to his year of birth, but his number should soon change to his favoured 10 in 2025, as per the agreement between the parties.
In his brief contact with the new fans, the striker - the second-highest scorer in the history of the Dutch national team - was impressed. Known for their fanaticism, the Corinthians drew the attention of the player, who said he was facing something unprecedented in his career. The impression was bound to be even more positive as soon as he took to the field, especially if he lived up to everything that was expected of him.
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A multi-million-pound contract and more
The player demanded a financial outlay from the club and its main sponsor Esportes da Sorte, with the deal that runs until the end of 2026 totalling around R$70 million (around 11.66 million euros) between wages, gloves and bonuses.
To sign with Corinthians, the Dutchman made a list of further demands, including a mansion in a gated community, armed security guards, armoured cars with private drivers, airline tickets between Brazil and Europe, a chef and a box at the Corinthians stadium.
For five million euros, Memphis can leave Corinthians whenever and however he wants. If, by the end of the contract, Memphis has played in 70% of the matches, his bank account will have increased by R$6.3 million (around 1.05 million euros).
An unconvincing start
Even by the high standards of a Brazilian football giant, Corinthians knew they were welcoming an international star, something that only a few clubs in the country have had the luxury of having.
Memphis arrived promising to add value to Corinthians' "crazy bunch". The fans made a point of embracing the new idol, aware of the importance of making him feel at home so that good performances would appear on the pitch.
Mistrust was natural, with the player needing to fulfil his role on the pitch to justify the huge amount he cost and live up to expectations. Everyone's desire was to dispel the idea that Memphis was coming to Brazil on holiday with the financial aspect as his main objective. After all, playing in Brazil isn't usually the natural decision for players who are still good enough to play at a top level in Europe.
Failing to show his worth initially, he fell out of favour with the Albirroja fans.
Winning the fans over away from the pitch
During his presentation, he said that he was looking to be happier, looking forward to this new chapter in what he calls the "Mecca of football". More than once in his presentation, Memphis cited his close relationship with Ghana - where his father is from - and how it helped him identify with Brazil.
His presence for a few hours in a community in Sao Paulo on a night off showed a trait of his personality, with the forward making a point of being present in a very different reality to the one he is used to, attracting the attention of hundreds of residents.
On the pitch, Memphis had to get used to some new things, such as playing at 11:00 in the intense heat, a decision he criticised in a pitchside interview. "I don't know who's responsible for that," he said.
Finding his form
Memphis' last match before playing for Corinthians was in the semi-final of the European Championship on 10 July, when the Netherlands lost to England and he had to leave the pitch due to physical problems. His debut for Corinthians came on 21 September, when he was on the pitch for 23 minutes.
By the end of 2024, he had four assists and seven goals in 14 games, becoming one of the key men in Ramon Diaz's squad.
Coincidence or not, it was after his arrival that Corinthians took off in the Campeonato Brasileiro, leaving the bottom positions and the risk of relegation behind to fight towards the top of the table; at the time of his arrival, Corinthians were in 17th place and in the relegation zone.
His decisiveness came to the fore at some important moments with Memphis presenting himself as a creator, making precise passes to his teammates and showing a distinctive vision of the game, being an important player in the build-up phase.
Ready for a year to remember
The consequence of the new momentum, with support from other players - such as Argentinian midfielder Rodrigo Garro - led Corinthians to finish the Brasileirao in seventh position and qualify for the Pre-Libertadores, a reality that went beyond the expectations of a club which had spent much of the season fighting at the other end of the standings.
More than just playing well, Memphis has shown charisma and created a connection with the fans that seems to have provided a good deal of motivation for the side's good performances on the pitch.
In 2025, Memphis remains in the squad with the challenge of maintaining his strong form. Starting the year in the Campeonato Paulista will give him the chance to get in good physical shape for when the toughest challenges of the season come along, and the opportunities for him to become a club legend.