Genoa have officially completed the signing of Albania international defender Mario Mitaj on a loan agreement from Al-Ittihad. The deal includes an option for the Serie A club to make the transfer permanent in June 2026. Genoa will pay a €2m fee for the initial one-season loan, with a further €4.5m required should they choose to exercise the purchase option, bringing the total potential cost to €6.5m.
The 22-year-old left-back, who will celebrate his 23rd birthday next week, arrived in Italy today to undergo medical examinations before finalizing his contract this evening. He is set to wear the number 2 jersey for the remainder of the season. Genoa beat out competition from other interested parties, including Roma and a potential return to his former club, AEK Athens.
Despite his youth, Mitaj brings significant experience to the squad, having already earned 32 senior caps for the Albania national team. He previously moved to Al-Ittihad from Lokomotiv Moscow in 2024. Mitaj stated that joining a club like Genoa and competing in Serie A was a primary objective for his career, adding that he is highly motivated to demonstrate his abilities.
He will wear the Number 2 jersey for the Grifone this season.
Mitaj was already in the Italian city today and underwent his medical tests this afternoon, putting pen to paper on the contract this evening.
