Genoa are considering a move for Al-Ittihad striker George Ilenikhena after completing the signing of Albania international Mario Mitaj on loan.
The Italian club are looking to strengthen their attacking options during the current summer transfer window and have added the 19-year-old Nigeria international to their list of potential targets.
According to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, citing Sky Sport, Genoa are monitoring Ilenikhena as they search for a new forward ahead of next season. The Serie A side are managed by former Italy international Daniele De Rossi, who is seeking additional attacking strength for his squad.
The possible move comes shortly after Genoa confirmed their agreement for Mitaj, another Al-Ittihad player. The Albania full-back joined the Italian club on Friday on a loan deal running until the end of next season. The agreement includes an option for Genoa to sign him permanently when the loan period ends.
Ilenikhena joined Al-Ittihad during the most recent winter transfer window after leaving French club Monaco. However, his time with the Saudi Arabian side has so far been limited, with the striker making only six official appearances. He has not scored or provided an assist in those matches.
The forward began his career with French club Amiens, where he was promoted to the first team in 2023. He subsequently moved to Belgian side Royal Antwerp before joining Monaco in 2024. His next move took him to Al-Ittihad, known as the Tigers.
Genoa’s interest could create a difficult decision for Al-Ittihad, who currently have only two recognised options in the centre-forward position: Morocco international Youssef En-Nesyri and Saudi Arabia international Saleh Al-Shehri.
That limited depth means allowing Ilenikhena to leave would be a complicated decision for German coach Jens Wissing, particularly with the club needing adequate cover in attack for the coming season.
The Nigerian forward’s lack of goals and assists since arriving at Al-Ittihad may encourage Genoa to explore a deal, while the Italian club’s need for a new striker could give the player an opportunity to secure more regular first-team football.
For now, Ilenikhena remains an Al-Ittihad player, but Genoa’s reported interest places him among the latest names being considered as De Rossi reshapes his attacking department. The developments also follow the initial agreement between the two clubs for Mitaj, making the young striker the second Al-Ittihad player to become linked with a move to Genoa during the current transfer window.