Ivory Coast international Hamed Junior Traore is reportedly on the verge of returning to Serie A after Genoa reached an agreement with Marseille over a loan move for the attacking midfielder.
According to reports, the Italian club are set to sign the 26-year-old on a season-long loan with an option to make the transfer permanent for €8 million.
The deal is understood to be awaiting only the completion of final administrative procedures before Traore begins a new chapter back in Italian football.
For one of Ivory Coast’s most experienced European-based players, the proposed move represents another opportunity to rediscover his best form after an injury-affected spell in France.
Traore joined Marseille with high expectations after arriving from Bournemouth, but his first season at the Stade Vélodrome was disrupted by fitness problems.
Despite making only 19 appearances in all competitions, the Ivorian still managed to contribute three goals and two assists during his time with the Ligue 1 club.
Although Marseille are tied to the midfielder until 2030, reports suggest the French side are prepared to allow him to leave on loan in search of regular first-team football.
Genoa appear ready to provide that opportunity.
The move would also mark a return to familiar surroundings for Traore, who has already built much of his career in Italy.
Before moving to the Premier League, the attacking midfielder represented Empoli, Sassuolo and Napoli in Serie A, establishing himself as one of the league’s talented creative players.
His performances in Italy eventually earned him a move to Bournemouth in 2023 in a deal worth €25.6 million.
Since then, however, Traore’s career has featured a series of loan spells.
He spent time with Napoli before later moving to Auxerre and Marseille as he sought consistent playing opportunities.
His move to Marseille last summer reportedly included terms that made the transfer almost an obligation to buy for €7.7 million, a clause that was activated despite injuries limiting his involvement throughout the campaign.
Now, another move appears imminent.
Genoa have reached an agreement with Marseille that would allow the Ivory Coast international to return to Serie A, where he previously enjoyed some of the best football of his career.
The Italian side would also retain the option to make the transfer permanent if Traore impresses during the loan spell.
Primarily deployed on the left wing, Traore is also capable of operating in more central attacking positions, giving coaches additional tactical flexibility.
His ability to cut inside and contribute in the final third has been one of the defining features of his game throughout his career.
For Ivory Coast, a return to regular football in one of Europe’s top leagues could prove significant.
