FC Cincinnati have acquired Argentine defender Julián Malatini [hoo-lee-AHN mal-ah-TEE-ni] on loan from SV Werder Bremen of the German Bundesliga, the clubs announced today. Malatini, 25, joins the Orange and Blue, pending receipt of his P-1 Visa, on loan through June 2027 with the option to make the move a permanent transfer. He will occupy an International Roster Slot.
Malatini brings three seasons of Bundesliga experience to Cincinnati. The 6-foot-3-inch center back scored twice in 32 career top-flight league appearances with Werder Bremen.
“Julián is a talented defender who brings Bundesliga experience and a strong desire to continue developing,” said Chris Albright, FC Cincinnati General Manager. “He has the size, athleticism, and intensity we value in a center back, and we're excited to welcome him to FC Cincinnati.”
The General Cabrera, Argentina native signed his first professional contract with Club Atlético Talleres of the Argentine Primera División in 2020, making his first-team debut in July 2021. He made 43 appearances across all competitions over two years including two appearances in the prestigious Copa Libertadores as Talleres reached the quarterfinals.
Malatini made a move to Argentine side Defensa y Justicia in 2023 where he continued his first-division play at a young age, making 41 appearances in all competitions as the club reached the Copa Argentina final and the semifinals of the Copa Sudamericana.
The defender made the move abroad to Germany in January 2024, where he signed with Werder Bremen. He scored for The Green-Whites in his Bundesliga debut on January 27, 2024 in a 3-1 win over Freiburg.
Malatini trained on several occasions with Argentine Youth National Teams and was part of the Argentina U-23 Youth National Team training for the 2024 CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament before exiting due to his transfer to Werder Bremen.
TRANSACTION: On September 2, 2026, FC Cincinnati acquire Julián Malatini, pending receipt of his P-1 Visa, on loan from SV Werder Bremen of the German Bundesliga through June 2027 with the option to make the move a permanent transfer. He will occupy an International Roster Slot.
In a corresponding roster move, FC Cincinnati have loaned goalkeeper Fabian Mrozek to FC Cincinnati 2 for the remainder of the 2026 MLS season.
JULIÁN MALATINI
Pronunciation: hoo-lee-AHN mal-ah-TEE-ni
Position: Defender
Height: 6’3’’
Birthdate: May 31, 2001 (25)
Birthplace: General Cabrera, Argentina
How Acquired: Via loan from SV Werder Bremen through June 2027 with the option to make the move a permanent transfer.