Kingsley Ehizibue joins Genoa on free transfer after Udinese exit

Former Nigeria invitee Kingsley Ehizibue has completed a free transfer to Serie A club Genoa after four seasons with Udinese.

The 31-year-old right-back’s contract with Udinese expired, bringing his time at the club to an end and allowing him to move to another Italian top-flight side.

Genoa have confirmed that Ehizibue has signed a multi-year contract and will join their preparations for the 2026/27 season in the coming days. The move follows a medical examination at the CDS – La Tua Casa della Salute facilities.

“Genoa CFC announces that it has completed the signing of winger Kingsley Ehizibue, a new addition to the squad for the 2026/27 season. Born on May 25, 1995, Ehizibue has played for Udinese over the last four seasons. In the last Serie A season, Enilive reported, he made 32 appearances, scoring two goals and playing a very high number of minutes (over 1,900 minutes). The player has undergone medical checks at the CDS – La Tu a Casa della Salute facilities, signing a multi-year contract with the club. He will begin training with his teammates in the coming days”, a statement on Genoa’s website said.

Ehizibue was previously invited to join the senior Nigeria squad by former Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr. However, he was unable to honour that call-up because of questions surrounding his status in the Netherlands and the effect it had on his eligibility for dual nationality.

The player has since said that situation has been resolved.

Although Genoa had tried to sign him in the past, Ehizibue rejected an earlier offer from the club. He has now returned to the opportunity and said his perspective had changed.

“As a believer, it’s the best way to ask for forgiveness after having backed out of the offer I received years ago. Things change, and my outlook has changed. I want to get involved, and I feel joy in knowing I’ll be representing Genoa. I thank the club.”

Genoa’s chief of football Diego Lopez said the new arrival would add speed, experience and flexibility to the squad.

“Ehizibue brings sprint, ample mileage, and knowledge of the league: always a plus. With Kingsley, we’ve finalized the full-back roster. We’re counting on his athleticism and adaptability to be ready to contribute quickly.”

Ehizibue spent the last four campaigns competing in Serie A with Udinese. During the most recent league season, he made 32 appearances, scored twice and played more than 1,900 minutes.

His arrival completes Genoa’s full-back options, according to Lopez, while the club expects the player to begin working with his new team-mates shortly.