Tyrell Malacia ends four-month search for club by signing with FC Cincinnati

Tyrell Malacia has found a new home, signing for MLS club FC Cincinnati on a free transfer after spending four months without a club following his departure from Manchester United.

The Dutch left-back, 27, arrived at Old Trafford in the summer of 2022 as Erik ten Hag’s first signing and spent four years at the club. His contract expired at the end of last season and he has now committed to Cincinnati on a one-year deal, with an option for a further campaign.

“We are excited to add a player of Tyrell’s experience,” said FC Cincinnati General Manager Chris Albright. “He’s played at the highest levels of the game and understands the demands of competing in those environments. His quality on the ball, defensive instincts, and team-first mentality is a welcome addition to the group and we’re happy to have him in Cincinnati.”

Malacia’s time at United was defined as much by absence as by contribution. After making 39 appearances in a promising debut campaign, he missed the entirety of the 2023/24 season through injury, returning to make just 11 further appearances for the club before his exit.

His prolonged absence prompted a wave of speculation on social media, which Malacia addressed in November 2024 in an interview with The Athletic. “No, nothing was true,” he said. “I’ve just been doing my rehab. Especially when I was in Holland, I was close to my family — so just training, family, sleeping; training, family, sleeping. The only thing I’ve done.”

Malacia also spoke candidly about two difficult personal situations that coincided with his injury struggles. His father Sanroy fell seriously ill during that period, and his grandmother, to whom he was particularly close, passed away.

“My dad got sick — he wasn’t able to walk anymore,” Malacia said. “For my family, it was a big, big impact. It’s still difficult sometimes.” Of his grandmother, he added: “For me, she was like my mum; basically, my second mum. I lived there for a couple of years. I was there every day, especially when I played in Holland.”

The nine-time Dutch international will now look to rebuild his career in North America. FC Cincinnati currently sit ninth in the MLS Eastern Conference, with a home fixture against Houston Dynamo coming up this weekend.