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EPL

Tyrell Malacia Joins FC Cincinnati After Manchester United Exit

By WAF News Desk 3 min read
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Former Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia has completed a move to FC Cincinnati, giving the Netherlands international a fresh start in Major League Soccer after an injury-disrupted spell at Old Trafford.

FC Cincinnati confirmed the signing on September 18, with Malacia joining on a contract running through June 2027. The deal also includes an option for the 2027-28 MLS season.

Tyrell Malacia signs for FC Cincinnati

The move ends Malacia’s search for a new club after leaving Manchester United at the end of last season. Cincinnati have moved quickly to add the 27-year-old to their squad after he spent time with the club before the deal was completed.

Malacia arrives with substantial European experience. He made 50 appearances for Manchester United after joining from Feyenoord in 2022, while his career also includes 137 first-team appearances for the Rotterdam club and a loan spell with PSV Eindhoven.

FC Cincinnati general manager Chris Albright highlighted Malacia’s experience at the highest level, as well as his ability on the ball and defensive qualities, when the club announced the deal.

What happened to Malacia at Manchester United?

Malacia initially established himself as a regular option after arriving at United, making 39 appearances in his first season in England and helping the club win the 2022-23 League Cup.

His progress was then badly interrupted by injury. A serious knee problem kept him out for an extended period and made it difficult for the left-back to regain a consistent place in the side. He later spent part of the 2024-25 campaign on loan at PSV, where he added further Champions League experience and was part of an Eredivisie-winning squad.

By the time his Manchester United spell ended, Malacia had made 50 appearances for the club across all competitions. His departure left him available as a free agent, allowing Cincinnati to complete the signing outside the main European transfer window.

Why FC Cincinnati have signed Malacia

For Cincinnati, the deal adds a defender with Premier League, Champions League and international experience without requiring a transfer fee. Malacia has won nine senior caps for the Netherlands and was part of the Dutch squad at the 2022 World Cup.

The MLS club also acquired an international roster slot from St. Louis City SC for $200,000 in 2026 General Allocation Money in connection with the move.

Malacia now has an opportunity to rebuild momentum after several seasons in which injuries repeatedly disrupted his career. At 27, he should still have significant football ahead of him if he can remain fit.

Malacia transfer is now confirmed

The move is a confirmed signing rather than transfer speculation. FC Cincinnati formally announced Malacia as their player on September 18, ending uncertainty over his next destination following his Manchester United departure.

His contract takes him through June 2027, with Cincinnati holding the option to keep him for the following MLS season. For Malacia, the move represents a clean break from a difficult final period in Manchester and a chance to establish himself again as a regular first-team defender.

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