Marcos Leonardo has been presented by Ajax

Ajax have completed the unexpected signing of Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo from Al Hilal, securing the 23‑year‑old on a five‑year deal worth just under €20 million. The fee places him among the club’s five most expensive acquisitions, behind Josip Sutalo, Sebastien Haller, Calvin Bassey and Steven Bergwijn.

Ajax had tracked Leonardo since his breakout at the 2019 U17 South American Championship, but talks only accelerated on Sunday, with an agreement reportedly reached by evening. Technical director Jordi Cruyff praised the striker’s profile, noting his 250‑plus professional appearances and more than 100 career goals, stressing that his primary mission in Amsterdam will be to score consistently.

Leonardo’s career has already taken him from Santos to Benfica for €22 million in early 2024, followed by a €40 million move to Al Hilal months later. Across 82 matches for the Saudi club, he delivered 48 goals and four assists, confirming his reputation as a prolific finisher.