Dutch club Ajax Amsterdam has completed the signing of Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo, arriving from Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal, on a five-season contract until June 30, 2031, according to statements from both clubs.

Ajax said the 23-year-old player signed a long-term contract with the club, with the transfer fee amounting to just under 20 million euros.

For its part, Al-Hilal announced its approval to sell the remaining period of the Brazilian striker's contract, thanking him for his contributions while wearing the team jersey, and wishing him success in his new chapter in the Dutch league.

Leonardo leaves Al-Hilal after playing 82 official matches in various competitions, scoring 48 goals and providing 4 assists.

The Brazilian striker contributed to the team's winning of the King's Cup, and participated with them in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where he scored impactful goals during the team's run in the tournament.

Return to European football

Leonardo's move to Ajax represents a return to European football, after he joined Al-Hilal from Portuguese side Benfica in 2024.

The player began his professional career with Brazilian Santos, before moving to Benfica, then taking his experience in the Saudi league with Al-Hilal.

Ajax bets on his goalscoring abilities

Ajax's sporting director, Jordi Cruyff, said that the club has been following Leonardo for a while, pointing out that the player has extensive experience despite his young age.

He added that the Brazilian striker has played more than 250 official matches in his career and scored more than 100 goals, explaining that the player's primary task with Ajax will be to boost offensive strength and score goals.

The signing of Leonardo comes as part of Ajax's moves to strengthen their attacking ranks ahead of the new season, after the Dutch club reached a final agreement with Al-Hilal on all details of the deal.