Dutch club Ajax Amsterdam has won the race to sign Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo, after swift and lightning negotiations with Al-Hilal's management, completely blocking the path of major European clubs that had been chasing the player for weeks.

Behind the scenes of the Dutch triumph over Porto and Fiorentina:

The young Brazilian striker was the focus of attention from Europe's top clubs, as Portuguese side Porto entered serious negotiations to sign the player, making him a primary target to bolster their attack, alongside parallel moves from Italian Fiorentina, which inquired about the striker's situation to explore the possibility of moving him to Serie A. However, the swift administrative move by Ajax's management marked a decisive turning point; the Dutch club presented a convincing financial offer to Al-Hilal worth €17.5 million, along with a promising sporting project and a long-term contract extending until June 2031, leading Leonardo to reject other offers and choose the Dutch destination.

A successful strike in the transfer market:

This deal is a major coup for Ajax in the current summer transfer window, as it succeeded in depriving a direct competitor like Porto of strengthening their squad, taking advantage of Al-Hilal's desire to reorganize their affairs and comply with the coach's wish to sell the remaining period of the Brazilian striker's contract to make room for new signings.

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