Genoa considered Akor Adams before Venezia record transfer, says Daniele De Rossi

Genoa manager Daniele De Rossi has confirmed that Akor Adams was discussed as a potential signing before the Nigeria international moved to Venezia during the summer transfer window.

Adams joined Venezia from Sevilla in a club-record deal, with the Spanish side reportedly due to receive about €23 million, including performance-related add-ons.

The 26-year-old forward had been an important player for Sevilla, but the La Liga club chose to sell him as they looked to improve their financial position.

Adams has made an encouraging start to his career in Italy, scoring four goals in nine appearances for Venezia. One of those goals proved particularly significant, as his strike against Napoli gave the Winged Lions their first league win of the campaign.

Speaking before Genoa’s Serie A meeting with Venezia, De Rossi acknowledged that Adams had been one of the players considered by the Rossoblu.

“Akor Adams was on our list, we evaluated him, we always considered him an important player,” De Rossi was quoted as saying by Pianeta Genoa 1893.

“He’s doing well, he’s doing what he has to do and at a time when his team has earned fewer goals and fewer points than they deserved.”

The fixture at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium on Sunday has added significance at the bottom of the Serie A table.

Venezia currently sit last in the division, but a victory would lift them above Genoa. The result would also give Adams’ side another opportunity to build on their positive start to the season, despite their position in the standings.

For Genoa, the match offers a chance to prevent Venezia from moving above them and underlines the importance De Rossi places on a player his club had previously identified as a potential addition.

Adams’ form has given him an immediate impact after completing his move from Sevilla, while the transfer also represented a major investment by Venezia. The deal became the club’s record signing and included a reported fee of around €23 million once the performance-related add-ons are taken into account.

Although Genoa ultimately did not complete a deal for the striker, De Rossi’s comments confirm that Adams had been assessed by the club before he joined one of their Serie A rivals.