Al Jazira sign former Al Hilal forward Malcom on free transfer

Al Jazira have signed Brazilian forward Malcom on a free transfer, only hours after his departure from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.

The 29-year-old will wear the number 10 shirt for the UAE club, who are known as the “Pride of Abu Dhabi”. His move to Al Jazira represents an immediate continuation of his career after leaving Al Hilal, where he had been one of the club’s leading attacking players since joining in 2023.

Malcom scored in Al Hilal’s opening match of the season, finding the net in their victory over Al Faisaly in the Saudi league, before his exit from the club was confirmed.

He moved to Al Hilal in the summer of 2023 from Russian club Zenit and made 138 appearances for the Riyadh-based side. During that time, he scored 46 goals and provided 41 assists.

The Brazilian also helped Al Hilal win five domestic trophies across three seasons. Their honours during his time at the club included one Saudi league title, two Saudi Super Cup trophies and two King’s Cup successes.

Al Jazira have been active in the transfer market as they strengthen their squad. Alongside Malcom, the club have added Malisson from Serbian side Crvena zvezda, Salih Malikoglu from Trabzonspor, Nermin Mujekic from Sarajevo and Ersin Destanoglu from Besiktas.

The club began their UAE league campaign with a 2-0 victory over Hatta, providing a positive start before the arrival of their latest high-profile signing.

Malcom’s move gives Al Jazira a player with substantial experience at the top level of domestic football in Brazil, Russia and Saudi Arabia, while also adding another attacking option to a squad that has undergone significant recruitment.

The forward’s record at Al Hilal included a major contribution in front of goal as well as a regular role in creating chances for team-mates. His 46 goals and 41 assists came during a period in which the club collected five domestic honours.

Al Jazira will now hope Malcom can reproduce that influence in the UAE, with the Brazilian set to take responsibility for the number 10 shirt following his switch to the “Pride of Abu Dhabi”.