Genoa Bolster Defence: Official Genoa Sign Mitaj from Al-Ittihad in Agreement Worth Up to 6 5m

FolioPitch.com – 31 July 2026 | The official Genoa sign Mitaj from Al-Ittihad in agreement worth up to 6 5m has been confirmed by the Serie A club, bringing Albania international Mario Mitaj to Luigi Ferraris Stadium. The 22-year-old left-back joins on an initial loan deal with an option to buy, marking a significant investment in the club’s defensive future.

According to reports from Sky Sport Italia, the financial structure of the deal sees Genoa pay €2 million for the season-long loan, with a further €4.5 million required to make the transfer permanent in June 2026. This brings the total potential value of the agreement to €6.5 million, a clear statement of intent from the Grifone as they look to solidify their backline.

Mitaj, who turns 23 next week, was already in the city on the day of the announcement, undergoing medical tests in the afternoon before putting pen to paper on his contract in the evening. He has been assigned the number 2 jersey for the upcoming campaign and is expected to provide an immediate boost to Genoa’s left flank.

The official Genoa sign Mitaj from Al-Ittihad in agreement worth up to 6 5m represents a homecoming of sorts for the young defender, who previously played in Greece with AEK Athens. There was also reported interest from Roma within Serie A and a potential return to his former club, but Genoa managed to secure his services ahead of the competition.

Mitaj’s career has already seen him represent Lokomotiv Moscow before moving to Al-Ittihad in 2024. Despite his youth, he has earned 32 senior caps for Albania, demonstrating his international pedigree and readiness for top-flight football. His experience at both club and country level makes him a valuable addition to a Genoa squad looking to improve on their mid-table finish from last season.

Speaking to the club’s official website, Mitaj expressed his excitement about the move: “Arriving at a club like Genoa and in Serie A was an objective for me. I am highly motivated to show what I can do.” His enthusiasm was echoed by Genoa’s Chief of Football, Diego Lopez, who highlighted the player’s technical and mental attributes.

“Mario is a player who combines two important characteristics, namely technical quality to build out from the back, and the mental solidity required to play for Genoa,” Lopez stated. The technical director’s comments underscore the strategic thinking behind the transfer, as Genoa aim to build a squad capable of competing at a higher level.

The official Genoa sign Mitaj from Al-Ittihad in agreement worth up to 6 5m is not just a short-term fix; it is a long-term investment in a player who has the potential to develop further under the guidance of Serie A coaching. The option to buy clause gives Genoa the flexibility to assess Mitaj’s contributions throughout the season before committing to a permanent deal.

For Al-Ittihad, the agreement provides financial relief and allows the Saudi Pro League club to offload a player who may not have fit into their long-term plans. The deal structure benefits both parties, with Genoa gaining a talented defender and Al-Ittihad receiving a loan fee with the possibility of a future transfer.

Mitaj’s arrival adds depth to a Genoa defensive unit that has been reinforced during the transfer window. His ability to support attacks from the left-back position will give the team more options going forward, while his defensive solidity will be crucial in the demanding Serie A environment. The young Albanian is eager to prove himself in one of Europe’s top leagues, and the club’s fans will be hoping he can quickly adapt to the pace and physicality of Italian football.

With the transfer now officially completed, Genoa can focus on integrating Mitaj into their squad ahead of the new season. The club’s management has shown ambition with this signing, and the player’s motivation is clear. The official Genoa sign Mitaj from Al-Ittihad in agreement worth up to 6 5m will be seen as a coup for the Serie A outfit, and all eyes will be on the young defender as he embarks on this new chapter in his career.

In conclusion, Genoa’s acquisition of Mario Mitaj represents a well-structured deal that balances immediate needs with future potential. By securing the Albania international on loan with an option to buy, the club has made a calculated move to strengthen its squad without overextending financially. Mitaj’s arrival signals Genoa’s ambition to compete more strongly in the Serie A, and his development will be closely watched by fans and pundits alike.