Tyrell Malacia joins FC Cincinnati on free transfer after Manchester United exit

Former Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia has joined Major League Soccer club FC Cincinnati on a free transfer, ending his injury-plagued spell in England. The 27-year-old Netherlands international signed a contract running through June 2027 with a club option for the 2027-28 season. FC Cincinnati acquired an international roster slot from St. Louis CITY SC for $200,000 in 2026 General Allocation Money to facilitate the signing. General Manager Chris Albright expressed excitement about adding a player of Malacia's experience, viewing him as a cornerstone for the squad's upcoming campaigns. Malacia made 50 appearances for Manchester United after arriving from Feyenoord in 2022, winning the 2022-23 EFL Cup, and helped PSV Eindhoven secure the Eredivisie title on loan in 2024-25. He has nine senior caps for the Netherlands and featured at the 2022 World Cup.