Jeff Ekhator: Juventus linked with Genoa’s Italy-Nigeria teenage striker in €18m move

Italy-Nigeria centre-forward Jeff Ekhator of Genoa is reportedly attracting strong interest from Serie A rivals Juventus, with the 19-year-old forward increasingly linked with a summer switch to Turin.

Data from Transfermarkt lists the probability of the move at 84%, with the teenager – valued at €18.00m – emerging as one of the most talked-about attacking prospects in Italy. Ekhator’s current contract situation at Genoa is unclear, with no expiry date recorded, prompting suggestions he could run his deal down and eventually move as a free agent if new terms are not agreed.

Born in Genova on 11 November 2006 and standing at 1.88m, the right-footed striker has been developed within the Genoa system and now wears the number 21 shirt for the Serie A side. He is registered with dual nationality – Italy and Nigeria – and is listed in his main position as an attack-minded centre-forward.

Ekhator’s rise has been tracked closely across the current Serie A campaign, with Juventus scouts following his progress as he adjusts to senior football. In Genoa’s recent league fixture against [opponent], played on July 1, 2026 and ending [scoreline], Ekhator featured as [brief description of involvement, e.g. a starter or substitute and his impact], further underlining his growing importance to the squad.

While no fee or formal offer has been disclosed, any deal is expected to be framed around his €18.00m market valuation, though Juventus could also seek to exploit his undefined contract end date to negotiate more favourable terms.

A move to Turin would represent a significant step up for Ekhator, placing him under far greater scrutiny at one of Italy’s biggest clubs and potentially accelerating his development, reputation and international prospects if the transfer ultimately materialises.