Emmanuel Ekong: Malmo winger linked with Hajduk Split move amid limited game time

Swedish-Nigerian winger Emmanuel Ekong of Malmo is being linked with a move to Croatian side Hajduk Split as the 24-year-old assesses his options after a slow start to the Allsvenskan season.

Ekong, who operates primarily on the left but prefers his right foot, has featured in only four league matches for Malmo in the 2026 Allsvenskan campaign, all from the bench, accounting for just 5% of the available minutes and no goals or assists. That lack of involvement is understood to have alerted Hajduk, who are looking to strengthen their attacking options in the SuperSport HNL.

Malmo signed Ekong from Empoli in January 2025 for a reported €1m fee, and he remains under contract with the Swedish champions until 31 December 2029. His current market valuation is around €450,000, having previously peaked at €550,000, a gap that could form a key part of the negotiations if Hajduk decide to formalise their interest.

Born in Reggio Emilia and developed in Italy, Ekong won the Italian Primavera youth championship with Empoli’s academy in 2020-21 before senior spells that included loans in Croatia and Italy. A switch to Hajduk would represent a return to the Croatian league after his time with NK Istra, offering familiarity with the competition for both player and potential buyers.

With several years left on his Malmo deal, any agreement is likely to require a transfer fee rather than a cut‐price exit, leaving the Swedish club in a strong position as discussions around Ekong’s future continue.