Author: Amrit Santlani
Former Barcelona full-back Malcolm has joined Al Hilal in a record deal that could become the most expensive transfer in Saudi Pro League history if all clauses are met. The Brazilian joined Al Hilal from Zenit St Petersburg for 60 million euros, with 45 million euros as an initial fee and 15 million euros in add-ons.
If these additional clauses are met, Malcolm will become the most expensive signing in the Saudi Pro League, surpassing Ruben Neves, who cost Al Hilal €55 million. In addition, the 26-year-old also became the third Brazilian player to generate the most transfer fees. Malcolm is third on the list, behind his compatriots Neymar and Philipp Coutinho, who both played for Barcelona.
The world record fee of 222 million euros paid by Paris Saint Germain to Barça for Neymar and the 88 million euro fee the Catalans paid Santos made him number one on the list, while Coutinho is second, having joined the Camp Nou club for 135 million euros from Liverpool.
Malcolm, who has represented Corinthians, Bordeaux, Barça and Zenit in his career so far, is in third place.
Elsewhere, Manchester United are ready to reach a “full agreement” with Atalanta for Rasmus Højlund. The striker was left out of the Serie A club’s friendly against Bournemouth as the club wanted to avoid any potential risk with the deal already at an advanced stage.
United are ready to charge PSG to complete the negotiation of Højlund, with a contract agreed until June 2028 and an option until June 2029.
Chelsea are ready to sign Lesley Ugochukwu from Rennes. The Frenchman has agreed to sign a long-term contract with Chelsea, but the player will be loaned to Strasbourg following his 27 million euro deal with the Premier League club.
James Rodrigues is about to become the latest player to return closer to home. The former Real Madrid midfielder is about to sign for São Paulo. The verbal agreement is already in place and the official announcement will be made shortly.
Edinson Cavani is also heading to South America. The Uruguayan has terminated his contract with Valencia and is set to join Boca Juniors until the 2024 season.