Malcom set to leave Al Hilal for Al Jazira after Saudi Pro League exit

Brazilian winger Malcom is set to leave the Saudi Pro League after three years with Al Hilal, with the 29-year-old expected to join Al Jazira on a free transfer during the current summer window.

ESPN reports that Malcom has agreed to terminate his contract with Al Hilal before completing a move to the United Arab Emirates. The former Zenit winger is due to undergo a medical examination in the UAE in the coming hours, with a three-year contract at Al Jazira expected to follow.

Malcom’s departure is understood to have been driven by Al Hilal, who decided to release the player as they look to bring in a new winger. Chelsea’s Portuguese wide player Pedro Neto is reportedly the leading candidate to replace him.

The Brazilian had attracted interest from several clubs in recent weeks. Saudi Arabian side Al-Diriyah, Qatari club Al Sadd and Turkish team Fenerbahce were all among those to have explored the possibility of signing him.

However, Malcom has chosen Al Jazira as his next destination and is now expected to end his spell in Saudi Arabia. His decision comes after three seasons with Al Hilal, having joined the club from Russian side Zenit in the summer of 2023.

During his time with Al Hilal, Malcom helped the club win five trophies. Those successes included the Roshn Saudi League, two King’s Cup titles and two Saudi Super Cup victories.

His expected move to Al Jazira will bring an end to a period in which he became part of one of the most successful teams in Saudi football. Al Hilal’s decision to make him available reflects the club’s desire to reshape its attacking options, with a replacement now being targeted.

Malcom’s transfer to Al Jazira will be completed once he passes his medical and signs the proposed agreement, which is set to keep him at the Emirati club for the next three years.