SV Werder Bremen have loaned defender Julián Malatini to Major League Soccer side FC Cincinnati. The Argentine will join the American club on a deal running through June 30, 2027, which includes an option to make the transfer permanent, as reported by FC Cincinnati's official website.
The move was finalized on September 2, 2026. Malatini, born in General Cabrera in May 2001, remains under contract with Werder until 2028. He will occupy an international roster slot at Cincinnati pending receipt of his P-1 Visa. For Werder, the loan comes as the team sits tenth in the Bundesliga table with three points from two matches. Their record shows four goals scored and five conceded. The current injuries list includes Felix Agu, Jens Stage, Justin Njinmah, Eren Dinkçi, and Senne Lynen.
What experience does Malatini have?
Julián Malatini joined Werder Bremen from Defensa y Justicia in January 2024. He made his Bundesliga debut on January 27, 2024, against SC Freiburg, scoring a goal in a 3-1 victory. In total, the center-back made 32 appearances in the German top flight, scoring twice. Before his move to Germany, the right-footed player gained experience in his homeland. He began his professional career in 2020 with Club Atlético Talleres, making his first-team debut in July 2021. For Talleres, he played 43 competitive matches, including two in the Copa Libertadores, where the team reached the quarterfinals. He moved to Defensa y Justicia in 2023, making 41 appearances and reaching both the Copa Argentina final and the Copa Sudamericana semifinals.
How does the acquiring club rate the signing?
FC Cincinnati General Manager Chris Albright spoke positively about the new acquisition. "Julián is a talented defender who brings Bundesliga experience and a strong desire to continue developing," Albright said. He added, "He has the size, athleticism, and intensity we value in a center back, and we're excited to welcome him to FC Cincinnati." The statements from the club executive highlight that Malatini is viewed as a project for MLS, where his physical attributes and experience from one of Europe's top leagues are key assets.
What does the move mean for Werder's squad planning?
Malatini's loan departure comes at a time when Werder Bremen is dealing with several personnel issues. Beyond the injured players mentioned, the focus now shifts to the upcoming fixture. The next match for manager Ole Werner's team is an away game against 1. FC Köln on September 12, 2026. The opponent currently sits eleventh in the table. The current standings show Werder is three points behind leaders FC Augsburg. Malatini's exit may create some financial flexibility within the squad, while the defense must manage upcoming challenges with remaining players. All of the club's upcoming fixtures can be found on the fixtures page.
Malatini's departure marks the provisional end of his time in Bremen after two and a half years. The defender, whose name is pronounced 'hoo-lee-AHN mal-ah-TEE-ni', also trained with Argentine youth national teams. He was part of the Argentina U-23 squad preparing for the 2024 CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament but left the training camp due to his transfer to Werder Bremen. His loan deal with FC Cincinnati runs through the end of the 2027 MLS season.
