Ajax signs Marcos Leonardo, striker from Al Hilal

Dutch club Ajax officially announced the signing of Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo from Al Hilal, to bolster the team's frontline starting from the new season.

The Dutch club succeeded in finalizing the deal after reaching a final agreement with Al Hilal's management and the player, as the 23-year-old forward signed a long-term contract for five seasons, specifically until June 30, 2031.

According to the official statement from Ajax, the transfer fee amounted to slightly less than 20 million euros, ending the Brazilian star's journey in Saudi stadiums and returning him to the old continent through the gate of the Dutch giants.

Marcos Leonardo began his professional career in his native Brazil with Santos, before moving to Europe in early 2024 via Portuguese club Benfica, then joining Saudi Al Hilal in the same year.

During his time with Al Hilal, the Brazilian forward played 82 official matches in various competitions, scoring 48 goals, delivering impressive attacking performances that caught the attention of officials at the Dutch club.

Jordi Cruyff, a director at Ajax, expressed his great delight at closing the deal, emphasizing that the technical staff had been following Marcos for a long time and had full confidence in his ability to provide the required attacking boost.

Cruyff explained that Leonardo has considerable experience despite his young age, having participated in more than 250 official matches throughout his professional career and scored over 100 goals, stressing that his primary task will be to hit the back of the net.

Dutch fans are awaiting the first appearance of the young Brazilian striker in an Ajax shirt, as the club has high hopes for his scoring abilities to lead the attack towards reclaiming domestic and continental titles in the new season.