FC Cincinnati have signed defender Tyrell Malacia [ty-RELL mah-LAH-see-ah] to a contract through June 2027, with an option for the 2027-28 Major League Soccer season, the club announced today. Malacia, 27, most recently played for English Premier League side Manchester United and brings over 250 European club appearances to Cincinnati.
In a corresponding move, FC Cincinnati have acquired an international roster slot from St. Louis CITY SC for $200,000 in 2026 General Allocation Money (GAM).
“We are excited to add a player of Tyrell's experience,” said 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.”
The Rotterdam, Netherlands native made his top-flight debut at the age of 18 with his hometown, boyhood club Feyenoord in UEFA Champions League competition, a 2-1 win over Napoli. He would go on to make 137 first-team appearances with Feyenoord before being transferred to Manchester United in July 2022.
Malacia has earned nine caps for the Dutch National Team, making his senior team debut on September 4, 2021. He was named to the Netherlands roster for the 2022 FIFA World Cup as the Dutch reached the quarterfinals. He additionally made 34 youth appearances for Netherlands including in the U17 and U21 European Championships.
With Manchester United, Malacia made 39 appearances in his debut 2022-23 season for the club. In total, Malacia made 50 appearances for the historic Premier League side. He additionally spent part of the 2024-25 season on loan back in Netherlands with PSV Eindhoven, where he made three UEFA Champions League appearances.
In total, Malacia brings to Cincinnati 43 first-division European Cup appearances. He won the 2022-23 EFL Cup with Manchester United, as well as the 2017-18 Dutch Cup and 2019 Dutch Super Cup with Feyenoord. He also won the 2024-25 Eredivisie league title with PSV.
TRANSACTION: On September 18, 2026, FC Cincinnati sign Tyrell Malacia to a contract through June 2027, with an option for the 2027-28 Major League Soccer season. In a corresponding move, FC Cincinnati have acquired a 2026 International Roster Slot from St. Louis CITY SC for $200,000 in 2026 General Allocation Money (GAM).
TYRELL MALACIA
Position: Defender
Height: 5’ 8”
Birthdate: August 17, 1999 (27)
Birthplace: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Nationality: Dutch
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