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2026-08-01 12:09 UTC → 2026-08-03 06:37 UTC ·
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In late July 2026 Genoa secured completed a season‑long loan for Albanian left‑back Mario Mitaj from Saudi Pro League side Al‑Ittihad, paying 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. The club announced the move on 31 July, assigning Mitaj the number 2 shirt. 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. 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 also frees a foreign‑player slot for Al‑Ittihad ahead of the new Saudi season. season, and Mitaj said confirmed that playing in Serie A had has always been his objective. The transfer was confirmed by Genoa’s official channels and reported by Sky Sport Italia and Fabrizio Romano, with earlier interest from clubs such as Porto and Roma.