Tyrell Malacia close to free transfer move to FC Cincinnati

FC Cincinnati are close to completing the signing of former Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia after the Netherlands international joined the Major League Soccer club for a trial earlier this week.

The American club are working to finalise a deal that would bring Malacia in as a free agent, according to The Athletic. Their move followed the departure of centre-back Matt Miazga, who was released and placed on the club’s list of waived players earlier this month.

Miazga’s exit created the roster space required for FC Cincinnati to pursue Malacia, who has been training regularly with the club since leaving Old Trafford this summer.

Malacia spent four years at Manchester United but struggled to establish himself after a serious knee cartilage injury kept him out of action for about 550 days.

The defender made 39 appearances for Manchester United during his first season at the club. However, his progress was halted by the injury, which led to a lengthy absence from competitive football.

He returned on 28 November 2024 under manager Ruben Amorim and played in a small number of matches before joining PSV Eindhoven on loan until the end of the 2024-2025 season.

Malacia returned to Manchester United after that loan spell but made only three substitute appearances in the Premier League last season, playing a combined total of 15 minutes.

His contract with Manchester United officially expired at the end of the campaign, leaving him available to join another club without a transfer fee.

FC Cincinnati’s interest comes after The Athletic reported earlier this week that Malacia had begun training with the Major League Soccer side as he looked to rebuild his career following his prolonged spell on the sidelines.