Malcom seals surprise move to Al Jazira after Al Hilal contract terminated

Malcom has completed a surprise transfer from Al Hilal to Al Jazira, marking a dramatic shift in his professional journey. The 29-year-old Brazilian winger announced his decision on social media on Friday, preceding any formal confirmation from Al Hilal. Hours later, the Saudi Pro League champions officially stated that they had terminated Malcom’s contract, ending his three-year tenure in Riyadh. This move comes as Al Jazira begins its new UAE Pro League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Hatta, following a fourth-place finish in the previous season, which left them 24 points behind the league leaders. Malcom’s departure from Al Hilal was abrupt, with the club confirming the termination of his contract without prior notice. His time at the club saw him contribute significantly, making 139 appearances and scoring 47 goals while providing 41 assists. During his first season, he played a crucial role in helping Al Hilal secure the Saudi Pro League title, netting 15 goals. He also added to the club’s success by winning the King’s Cup twice and the Saudi Super Cup on two occasions. Before joining Al Hilal, Malcom had a storied career beginning in Brazil, where he started at Sao Paulo-based club Corinthians. He moved to France, where he became a fan favorite at Bordeaux, earning the Ligue 1 goal of the season award in 2017/18. Over three seasons, he scored 23 goals and provided 24 assists in 96 matches. His performances caught the attention of Spanish giants Barcelona, leading to a €41 million transfer in 2018. However, his stint at the Catalan club lasted just one season, during which he made 24 appearances across all competitions. At Barcelona, Malcom contributed to the team’s La Liga triumph and their run to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals. Notably, he scored his first Champions League goal against Inter Milan and made an impact in the Copa del Rey final, coming off the bench in a defeat to Valencia. He also played a key role in the semi-final clash against Real Madrid, scoring his debut Clasico goal in the first leg. After leaving Barcelona, Malcom returned to Russia, joining Zenit St Petersburg for €40 million. There, he enjoyed a successful spell, scoring 42 goals and providing 24 assists in 109 games. His contributions were instrumental in securing three league titles, one Russian cup, and four Russian Super Cups. This performance led to a €60 million move to Al Hilal in 2023, making him one of the highest-profile signings in the Saudi Pro League. During his time at Al Hilal, Malcom joined other notable players such as Kalidou Koulibaly, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, and Ruben Neves. He later shared the squad with Neymar, though the latter faced challenges due to injuries. Malcom, however, remained consistent, contributing to the team’s early-season success with a goal in their opening match against Al Faisaly. On the international stage, Malcom earned two caps for Brazil in 2023, including a memorable appearance in the 2020 Olympics. He scored a decisive extra-time goal in the final against Spain, helping Brazil claim Olympic gold. His senior debut came as a substitute in a friendly against Guinea, where he was fouled in the box, leading to a penalty converted by Vinicius Junior. He later earned his sole start in a 4-2 loss to Senegal. Al Jazira, under the management of Cosmin Olaroiu, looks set to benefit from Malcom’s experience and skill. The Romanian coach previously guided teams such as Al Ain, Shabab Al Ahli, and Sharjah before stepping down from the UAE national team role in May. With Malcom’s addition, the club aims to strengthen its position in the UAE Pro League as it embarks on a new campaign.