Mario Mitaj leaves Al-Ittihad for Genoa
Albanian left-back Mario Mitaj is set to join Italian side Genoa on a season-long loan from Saudi club Al-Ittihad, with a permanent purchase option included.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Author: Michaelx82
Saudi side Al-Ittihad continues its squad overhaul ahead of the new season, with Albanian left-back Mario Mitaj becoming the latest player to depart the club. The defender is set to return to European football by joining Italian outfit Genoa.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Genoa successfully secured the deal, overcoming interest from several Portuguese clubs that had pursued the player in recent weeks.
Sky Sport Italia reports that the transfer is a season-long loan, with a clause granting Genoa the option to sign the player permanently at the end of the spell. The move marks the end of his time in Saudi Arabia as he seeks a fresh challenge in Serie A to secure more game time and rediscover his best form.
Mitaj is expected to join Genoa for training in the coming days to begin his tenure with the club. Meanwhile, Al-Ittihad continues to trim its wage bill and reshape its squad, following the earlier departures of players including Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kanté, and Fabinho.