Ajax close in on Marcos Leonardo as Saudi deal nears €19m

Ajax are set to complete the signing of 23‑year‑old Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo for a fee that could rise to €19 million. Only the paperwork and a medical examination now stand between the player and a contract that runs to the summer of 2031.

Nadat de Amsterdammers eerder op de dag een akkoord bereikten, werd zondagavond een mondelinge deal met Al‑Hilal gesloten. The Amsterdammers moved swiftly after reaching a headline agreement with the Braziliaanse forward earlier in the day. Al‑Hilal, the club from Saoedi‑Arabië, will receive the maximum €19 million payment.

For Ajax, adding a 23‑year‑old Braziliaanse striker bolsters their attacking options ahead of the new season. The club hopes the player’s proven goal‑scoring will translate to the Eredivisie. The deal also reflects Ajax’s strategy of investing in young talent with resale potential.

Al‑Hilal benefits from a substantial fee while freeing up a squad spot for future recruitment. The transfer underscores the Saudi club’s willingness to negotiate with European teams. Both sides anticipate a mutually advantageous outcome once the medical is passed.