# Mario Mitaj loan to Genoa confirmed

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/genoa-loan-deal-for-mario-mitaj
> Updated: 2026-08-02T20:02:28.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 3.

Genoa completed a season‑long loan for Albanian left‑back Mario Mitaj from Saudi club Al‑Ittihad on 31 July 2026. The deal costs €2 million with a €4.5 million purchase option, capping the total outlay at about €6.5 million. Mitaj, 22, arrives after spells at AEK Athens, Lokomotiv Moscow and Al‑Ittihad, where he made 58 appearances, scored two goals and won the Saudi league and King’s Cup in 2024‑25. He has earned 32 caps for Albania and featured at Euro 2024. Director of football Diego Lopez highlighted Mitaj’s technical quality, mental stability and solidity, expecting him to reinforce the left side for the Serie A campaign.

Head coach Daniele De Rossi introduced Mitaj following a friendly win over Leicester, praising his technical ability, physical attributes and versatility. De Rossi noted that Mitaj could operate in multiple defensive positions and raise the squad’s level once his medical and paperwork are completed. He also outlined upcoming pre‑season plans, including a training camp in Moena and a match against Bournemouth, while hinting at possible departures that could affect squad balance.

The loan frees a foreign‑player slot for Al‑Ittihad ahead of the new Saudi season, and Mitaj confirmed that playing in Serie A has always been his objective.

## Claims

- Mario Mitaj transferred from Al‑Ittihad to Genoa on a season‑long loan. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- Mario Mitaj has earned 32 caps for the Albanian national team and played at Euro 2024. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Genoa’s football director Diego Lopez said Mario Mitaj combines technical quality with mental stability. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Genoa announced the transfer via an official club statement. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Mario Mitaj is a 22‑year‑old left‑back born on 6 August 2003. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The loan includes an option for Genoa to purchase Mitaj permanently for €4.5 million. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Mario Mitaj holds dual Greek‑Albanian nationality. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Sky Sport Italia confirmed the loan and purchase terms. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-02: Genoa coach Daniele De Rossi details three transfer targets and introduces Mario Mitaj

Genoa coach Daniele De Rossi announced three expected signings, discussed possible departures, and introduced new signing Mario Mitaj after a friendly win over Leicester.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/genoa-coach-daniele-de-rossi-details-three-transfer-targets-and-introduces-mario-mitaj

### 2026-07-31: Mario Mitaj joins Genoa on loan from Al‑Ittihad

Albanian defender Mario Mitaj moves to Genoa on a €2 m loan with a €4.5 m purchase option, totaling €6.5 m, after stints in Greece, Russia and Saudi Arabia.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/genoa-signs-albanian-leftback-mario-mitaj

### 2026-07-22: Genoa negotiates loan for Al‑Ittihad full‑back Mario Mitaj

Genoa are in talks to loan Albanian left‑back Mario Mitaj from Saudi club Al‑Ittihad, with an option to buy, amid financial and squad considerations.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/genoa-negotiates-loan-for-alittihad-fullback-mario-mitaj

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Cite as: Mario Mitaj loan to Genoa confirmed. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/genoa-loan-deal-for-mario-mitaj