Transfer News: Northampton Saints sign promising winger from Italy

The 20-year-old will make the move to cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens this summer from Zebre Parma after an impressive breakthrough campaign in senior rugby.

Faissal has already made seven appearances for the United Rugby Championship side, scoring two tries during his debut season at senior level.

The young winger first caught the eye in this season’s European Challenge Cup, making his senior debut against Montauban and scoring within 24 minutes of his first appearance.

Since then, he has continued to build his reputation with a series of assured performances in the URC.

Faissal has also become a key figure for Italy Under-20s, forming a strong partnership with future Saints teammate Edoardo Todaro during the 2025 Under-20 Six Nations.

Across two championships, he has earned ten caps at Under-20 level, with all three of his tries coming against England Under-20s.

Speaking about the move, Faissal said:

“Right from my first call with the coaches, I have been excited about the chance to be a part of Northampton Saints.

“It’s a club full of talented young players and fantastic coaching staff that has a clear ambition.

“Moving to England and getting to play in a competitive league like the PREM is going to be a real challenge but it’s a great opportunity for me to grow as a rugby player and as a person.

“The chance to live in England and experience life away from home, away from your friends and family, getting to come to a completely different country and experience something new, I hope will also help me grow as a person.

“I won’t be completely without friends in Northampton though, I played with Edoardo [Todaro] in last season’s Under-20 Six Nations and I know Danilo [Fischetti] too. Both of them have already made me feel so welcome.

“Moving away from my hometown club has been a big decision. Zebre was a team I grew up supporting, to have played for a team I watched as a kid has been a privilege and I will always be grateful to them for giving me that chance.

"I have made some incredible friendships in my time there, I have learned so much from the coaches and my teammates and I thank them for that.

“But looking ahead, this opportunity that Saints have given me and the trust the club have already shown me is very exciting.

"I want to play as much as I can in a Saints jersey, learn as a player and hopefully win some trophies along the way – I can’t wait to get started.”

Saints director of rugby Phil Dowson believes Faissal has all the attributes to thrive in English rugby and highlighted both his athletic qualities and character.

“Malik first came to our attention when he was playing for Italy Under-20s,” said Saints’ Director of Rugby, Phil Dowson, of the young winger.

“From a capability point of view, Malik looks like a very well-rounded player, with some x-factor to his athleticism too. He’s got speed and the ability to win the ball in the air, which in today’s game is a vital skill.

“We’ve been impressed with his intent too, how hard he works to get into the right places on the field. Sam [Vesty] loved his breakdown elements and how he hits in defence as well.

“In our first chat, it was obvious that he’s a very intelligent and bright player and someone who’s ambitious – Malik asked some good questions of us.

"We spoke about what his ambitions were, what he wants to get out of his career and what his thoughts were about coming to England.

“Malik’s really academically driven outside of his rugby too, he has ambitions of becoming a vet, and his English is very good. He’s an impressive young man and we’re looking forward to getting him into our set-up.”