Serie A side US Cremonese have confirmed the loan signing of Moroccan international Youssef Maleh from US Lecce.
The 27-year-old midfielder joins the Lombardy-based club until the end of the season, with a purchase obligation set to activate if certain conditions are met.
Born in Castel San Pietro Terme, Italy, Maleh brings valuable top-flight experience to Cremonese’s midfield.
He developed through Cesena’s youth system before spells at Ravenna and Venezia, where he helped secure promotion via the Serie B playoffs in 2021. He has since featured in Serie A with Fiorentina, Empoli, and Lecce.
Lecce were initially reluctant to part ways with Maleh, but the player expressed his willingness to move, prompting Cremonese to improve their offer and secure the deal.
The transfer gives Maleh a fresh opportunity as Cremonese look to bolster their squad amid a challenging fight against relegation.
Maleh has made over 100 Serie A appearances, including nine this season prior to the switch. Internationally, he has represented Morocco since 2023.
At Cremonese, he will don the number 29 shirt and reunite with coach Davide Nicola, under whom he previously played during a loan at Empoli.
Cremonese will be hoping that Maleh’s Serie A experience and work rate help lift the team as they aim to secure survival in the league’s second half.
