Malcom agrees Al-Diriyah move as Al Hilal work to finalise deal

Malcom has agreed to join newly promoted Roshn Saudi League club Al-Diriyah during the current summer transfer window, according to Saudi newspaper Okaz.

The Brazilian winger’s proposed move would bring to an end his three-year spell with Al Hilal, who had been open to letting him leave after receiving an approach from Al-Diriyah.

Earlier reports said Al-Diriyah wanted to sign Malcom on loan until the end of next season. Al Hilal were understood to be receptive to that proposal as they considered allowing the Brazil international to depart, although Malcom had not initially given his final approval to the transfer.

Okaz has now reported that the 28-year-old has accepted the move to the newly promoted club for next season. Al Hilal are currently working to settle their financial arrangements with Malcom, with the club hoping to complete the transfer officially in the coming hours.

The agreement still requires those financial matters to be resolved before the deal can be formally confirmed. However, the player’s decision represents a significant step towards his departure from Al Hilal and a move to Al-Diriyah, who have recently secured promotion to the Roshn Saudi League.

Malcom has been one of Al Hilal’s leading players over the past three seasons, following his arrival from Russian club Zenit in 2023. His first campaign in Saudi Arabia was particularly successful, with Al Hilal winning the league title without losing a match.

During his time with the Riyadh club, Malcom helped Al Hilal win the Saudi league once. He also contributed to two Saudi King’s Cup triumphs and two Saudi Super Cup victories.

His anticipated transfer would therefore bring a close to a period in which he played a prominent role in one of the country’s most successful teams. Al Hilal’s willingness to consider the offer comes as the club seeks to move the Brazilian on, while Al-Diriyah are preparing for their first season after promotion to the top division.

The initial proposal was understood to be structured as a loan rather than a permanent transfer, with Malcom set to remain at Al-Diriyah until the end of next season. The terms of the final agreement have not been disclosed, but Al Hilal’s ongoing discussions with the winger are focused on completing the financial side of the deal.

Once those issues are settled, Malcom’s move should be formally concluded, ending his association with Al Hilal after three seasons and giving Al-Diriyah one of the most notable additions ahead of their first Roshn Saudi League campaign.