Ajax have completed the signing of Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal for a fee of €19.9 million. The 23-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the Dutch club, keeping him at the Johan Cruijff Arena until 2031, according to L’Équipe.
Leonardo joined Al-Hilal in 2024 following a successful spell with Benfica. During his two seasons in Saudi Arabia, he demonstrated his goalscoring ability, notably scoring twice against Manchester City in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Club World Cup, a match Al-Hilal won 4-3 after extra time. His arrival at Ajax represents a significant investment for the Amsterdam club as they look to bolster their attacking options.
The transfer is part of a busy start to the transfer window for Ajax, who have also recently re-signed former Netherlands international Daley Blind on a free transfer and secured the services of Caio Henrique from Monaco for a reported €14 million including bonuses. These additions signal a clear intent from Ajax to strengthen their squad ahead of the upcoming Eredivisie season.
Leonardo’s time at Benfica saw him develop into a promising attacking talent, attracting attention from several European clubs before his move to Al-Hilal. While his stint in Saudi Arabia was relatively short, he proved his ability to perform on a big stage, as evidenced by his performance against Manchester City. The move to Ajax provides Leonardo with a platform to further develop his game in a competitive European league.
Ajax finished fifth in the Eredivisie last season, missing out on European qualification. The club will be hoping that the addition of Leonardo, alongside Blind and Henrique, will provide the firepower needed to challenge for a top-three finish and secure a return to continental competition. The Brazilian’s versatility and goalscoring record could prove vital as Ajax aim to rebuild and re-establish themselves as a force in Dutch football.
