Kingsley Ehizibue completes free transfer to Genoa after Udinese exit

Former Super Eagles invitee Kingsley Ehizibue has joined Genoa as a free agent after leaving Udinese at the end of the 2025/26 Serie A season.

The 31-year-old right-back signed a multi-year contract with Genoa on Thursday, 3 September, after completing his medical at the La Tua Casa della Salute facilities. His agreement with Udinese expired in June, with the two parties unable to reach terms on a new deal.

Genoa acted quickly to secure the Dutch-born Nigerian, who will now begin a new chapter in Italy. His arrival also gives new Genoa manager Daniele De Rossi an experienced option on the right side of his defence.

The move came after Genoa’s attempt to sign Leicester City defender Woyo Coulibaly fell through late in the transfer window. Coulibaly had been identified as a replacement for Brooke Norton-Cuffy, but the proposed deal was not completed.

Genoa move finally completed seven years after first attempt

Ehizibue’s transfer has an unusual history. According to GrandHotelCalcioMercato, Genoa first attempted to sign him in January 2019, when he was playing for Dutch club PEC Zwolle.

The deal was close to being finalised, and Ehizibue was expected to travel to Genoa for lunch on a cold January day. However, a snowstorm delayed his journey until the following day, before an unexpected development changed the course of the transfer.

Ehizibue, who received an invitation to join the Super Eagles under former Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr, told Genoa’s directors:

When he was asked why, he replied:

The decision surprised Genoa officials. Instead of moving to Italy, Ehizibue joined FC Koln later that year. Three seasons after that, he returned to Italy by signing for Udinese in 2022.

The defender established himself as a regular at Udinese and made more than 115 appearances in all competitions during four seasons in Udine, scoring four goals.

He remained an important member of the squad during the 2025/26 campaign, featuring in 32 Serie A matches and playing more than 1,900 minutes.

Seven years after abandoning his proposed move to Genoa, Ehizibue has now completed the transfer he once turned down. Following his return, he said:

The move offers Ehizibue another opportunity to continue his career in Serie A, while Genoa acquire a player with four years of experience in Italy’s top division.

What began with a snow-delayed journey and a missed move in 2019 has finally brought Ehizibue to Genoa.