Al Hilal forward Malcom gives green light to Al-Diriyah move

Malcom has agreed to join newly promoted Al-Diriyah from Al Hilal during the current summer transfer window, according to Saudi newspaper Okaz.

The Brazil winger’s decision clears a major obstacle in negotiations over a move to the Roshn Saudi League side, with Al Hilal now working to settle its financial arrangements with the player before the transfer can be completed officially.

Al-Diriyah had been seeking to sign Malcom on loan until the end of next season. Al Hilal were understood to be open to that proposal because they wanted to part company with the 28-year-old, although Malcom had not initially given his final approval to the move.

That position has now changed, with Okaz reporting that the former Zenit player has agreed to join Al-Diriyah for the coming season. Al Hilal are attempting to resolve the financial details of the agreement, with the club hoping to finalise the deal in the next few hours.

Malcom has been one of Al Hilal’s most prominent players over the past three seasons, following his move from Russian club Zenit in 2023. His first campaign was particularly notable, as Al Hilal won the league title without losing a match.

Since arriving in Saudi Arabia, Malcom has helped Al Hilal win the Saudi league once, as well as two King’s Cup titles and two Saudi Super Cup trophies.

His departure would bring an end to a successful spell with a club that has dominated domestic football during his time in the squad. The winger’s performances were central to Al Hilal’s first-season league triumph, while he also contributed to the team’s success in the two national cup competitions and the Saudi Super Cup.

Al-Diriyah, meanwhile, are preparing for their first season in the Roshn Saudi League after earning promotion. The club’s interest in Malcom reflects its plans to strengthen the squad ahead of the new campaign, while Al Hilal’s willingness to sanction the move would allow the reigning Saudi football power to reshape its attacking options.

The proposed switch remains subject to the completion of the financial settlement between Malcom and Al Hilal. Once those matters are resolved, the transfer is expected to be confirmed formally.