FC Cincinnati sign former Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia through 2027
FC Cincinnati have strengthened their back line with the free-agent signing of Netherlands international Tyrell Malacia, bringing the former Manchester United left-back to MLS on a deal running until June 2027.
Malacia move at a glance
| Item | Detail | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Player | Tyrell Malacia, 27 | Netherlands international defender |
| Contract | Through June 2027 | Includes a club option for the 2027-28 MLS campaign |
| Roster move | $200,000 in 2026 GAM | Paid to St. Louis CITY SC for an international roster slot |
| International record | Nine senior caps | Selected for the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup |
The Ohio club completed the signing on Friday and made room for Malacia by acquiring an international roster position from St. Louis CITY SC. Cincinnati sent $200,000 of 2026 General Allocation Money in the transaction.
General manager Chris Albright said: “We are excited to add a player of Tyrell’s experience.” The move adds a defender with extensive European experience as Cincinnati seek to remain among the leading teams in the Eastern Conference.
Malacia leaves Manchester United after a spell that began with his 2022 arrival from Feyenoord. He made 50 appearances for United across domestic and European football, although injury problems repeatedly interrupted his opportunities at Old Trafford.
His United period included the 2022-23 EFL Cup triumph. More recently, he returned to the Netherlands on loan and contributed to PSV Eindhoven’s Eredivisie-winning 2024-25 season.
Across his club career, Malacia has made more than 250 professional appearances, including matches in the Premier League and Champions League. His international experience includes nine Netherlands appearances and a place in the squad that reached the 2022 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals in Qatar.
Cincinnati have begun introducing their new signing through club social-media material, with Malacia set to join the Orange and Blue for the next stage of his career in MLS.
