English Premier League
Al-Ittihad continue squad clear-out as Mario Mitaj agrees Genoa move
Al-Ittihad are continuing to reshape their squad, with Albania defender Mario Mitaj set to leave the Saudi Pro League club for Genoa during the current summer transfer window.
Mitaj has reached an agreement to join the Italian side on a season-long loan, bringing his time with Al-Ittihad to an end and providing him with the opportunity to return to European football.
The deal also includes an option for Genoa to sign Mitaj permanently when the loan spell ends, according to Sky Sport Italia. The Italian club reportedly secured the transfer ahead of several Portuguese teams that had shown interest in the player in recent weeks.
Fabrizio Romano also reported that Genoa had completed the agreement for Mitaj, who is expected to join the club’s training sessions in the coming days. His arrival will allow him to begin preparations for his new challenge in Serie A before making his official start with the team.
Mitaj’s departure is the latest move in Al-Ittihad’s efforts to reduce the size of their squad and lower the club’s wage bill ahead of the new season. The Saudi club’s management is seeking to reset the group before the campaign begins, with several established players already having left.
French forwards Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante have departed, along with Hamed Al-Shanqeeti and Brazilian midfielder Fabinho. Mitaj is now also set to leave the club, having chosen a new experience in Italy in search of greater playing opportunities and a chance to regain his form.
The transfer marks the end of Mitaj’s spell with “the Brigadiers”, as Al-Ittihad are known, and opens the next stage of his career in European competition. His move to Genoa is expected to be formalised in the coming days, while Al-Ittihad continue reorganising their squad ahead of the new campaign.
