Malmo FF have confirmed that Nigeria-eligible forward Emmanuel Ekong will undergo knee surgery after his proposed summer transfer collapsed following a medical examination, Footynaija.com reports.
Ekong seemed on the verge of a move to Croatian side Hajduk Split, with reports suggesting that there was already an agreement between both clubs before the deal fell through at the final stage.
While Malmo did not identify the interested club, the Swedish champions revealed that concerns raised during the buying club’s medical assessment prompted the transfer to fall through.
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According to Malmo, Ekong sustained a meniscus injury to his right knee in March. Following medical assessments and discussions with the player, the club initially decided against surgery, opting instead for rehabilitation.
The 24-year-old responded well to treatment and had been available for training and matches again since the beginning of May. However, the injury resurfaced as a concern during the routine medical examination conducted by the interested club, forcing Malmo to reassess the situation.
Providing an update on the forward’s condition, the club said: “In connection with a medical examination by a foreign club, this already known injury was noted and the club therefore refused a transfer.
“In light of these new circumstances, we have decided, in consultation with Emmanuel, to plan for knee surgery.”
Born in Italy to Nigerian parents and raised in Sweden, Ekong is eligible to represent Nigeria, Sweden and Italy at senior international level. He is also the son of former Super Eagles midfielder Prince Ikpe Ekong.
Since joining Malmo from Italian side Empoli in January 2025, the versatile forward has found regular opportunities hard to come by, making 18 starts across all competitions.
Although Malmo have not disclosed a recovery timeline, the failed transfer means Ekong will remain with the Allsvenskan champions, where he is under contract until 2029. Once he completes his rehabilitation, the forward will be eager to force his way back into the first-team picture.
