Marcos Leonardo to Ajax: Here We Go

Dutch giants Ajax's search for a striker has reached its conclusion. According to the news announced by Fabrizio Romano with his famous "Here We Go" confirmation, the Amsterdam club has reached a verbal agreement with Al Hilal's Brazilian striker Marcos Leonardo. The club-to-club agreement was completed at a fee of €17.5 million; according to Dutch media, that figure could rise to €19 million with bonuses.

A verbal agreement has also been reached with the player on personal terms. It is stated that lawyers are exchanging and checking documents, while the player has been cleared for his medical. According to Dutch media, Marcos Leonardo will undergo his medical on Monday and sign a contract running until 2031. The fee makes this the second-most expensive incoming signing in Ajax's history.

The 23-year-old striker's career journey is a notable one. Coming through the Santos academy, the Brazilian moved to Benfica for €20 million in January 2024, and only six months later Al Hilal paid €40 million to take him to Saudi Arabia. However, the presence of Karim Benzema and Darwin Núñez at the Saudi club left the young striker surplus to requirements. Leonardo's move to Atlético Madrid in January had also fallen through at the last moment.

On Ajax's side, this transfer means an urgent need is being met. With Wout Weghorst's departure to FC Twente thinning out the centre-forward department, Kasper Dolberg could also leave. Marcos Leonardo's goalscoring instinct is regarded as a profile that will bring the dynamism the Amsterdam club has been seeking in attack. The official announcement of the transfer is expected in the coming days.

Source: Fabrizio Romano
Image: Yahoo Sports