Julián Malatini
SVW
CB (RB)
Driving Centre Back
May 31, 2001 (25)
Right
6'3"
185 lb
BremenJoins Cincinnati on loan
Malatini has joined FC Cincinnati on loan from Werder Bremen through June 2027, with an option to make the move permanent, according to the club.
Analysis: Malatini heads to MLS after spending nearly three seasons with Werder Bremen, where he made 32 Bundesliga appearances and scored twice. The 25-year-old center-back also brings significant experience from Argentina with Talleres and Defensa y Justicia. His size, athleticism and Bundesliga experience should allow him to compete for regular minutes in Cincinnati's back line.
Finds bench spot
Malatini (ankle) is back fit for Saturday's friendly against Paderborn, according to the club.
Analysis: Malatini had undergone surgery to repair a torn ankle ligament earlier in the summer and had been gradually building toward a partial return to training, so his availability for this match confirms his recovery is now complete. He now looks set to compete for a regular role heading into the new 2026/27 Bundesliga season after clearing this lengthy injury layoff.
Aims partial training soon
Malatini (ankle) is expected to partially resume training by the end of the week following his long term ankle injury, according to the club.
Analysis: Malatini underwent surgery to repair a torn ankle ligament earlier in the summer and was seen back on the grass working with the ball in mid June, an encouraging step in his recovery. His anticipated partial return to training marks further progress, and the club's medical staff will continue to build his fitness gradually as he targets full availability for the 2026/27 Bundesliga season.
Returns on grass
Malatini (ankle) was spotted back on the grass working with the ball on Friday during the summer break, marking an encouraging milestone in his recovery from the ligament surgery he underwent earlier in the summer, the club posted.
Analysis: Malatini had undergone successful surgery to repair the torn ankle ligament and was facing a lengthy recovery timeline, making his return to outdoor work a positive development ahead of pre-season preparations. The defender will continue to build his fitness gradually under the supervision of Bremen's medical staff as he targets a return to full availability for the 2026/27 campaign.
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