Ivorian midfielder Hamed Junior Traoré set to join Genoa on loan

Ivory Coast international Hamed Junior Traoré is on the verge of returning to Serie A after Marseille reached an agreement with Genoa over a season-long loan deal that includes an option to buy.

The 26-year-old attacking midfielder is not expected to remain in Ligue 1 for the 2026/27 campaign despite only recently committing his long-term future to Marseille. Instead, he is set to continue his career in Italy, where he previously enjoyed successful spells before his move to France.

According to reports, Marseille and Genoa have finalized an agreement for Traoré’s temporary transfer, with the deal including an €8 million purchase option that could make the move permanent at the end of the season.

The arrangement is viewed as an opportunity for the Ivorian international to secure regular first-team football while giving Genoa the chance to assess him over the course of the campaign before deciding whether to trigger the buy clause.

Traoré, who remains under contract with Marseille until June 2030, joined the French club with high expectations but now appears set for a swift return to Italian football, where he established himself as one of the league’s exciting attacking midfielders during previous stints with Empoli, Sassuolo and Napoli.

Known for his creativity, dribbling ability and eye for goal, the versatile attacker is capable of operating as an attacking midfielder, left winger or central playmaker. His technical quality and experience in Serie A made him an attractive target for Genoa as the club looks to strengthen its attacking options ahead of the new season.

For Genoa, the signing represents a significant boost as they continue to reinforce their squad with players who possess top-flight experience. The club believes Traoré can add creativity, pace and attacking threat in the final third as they aim to build on last season’s performances.

The move also presents an important opportunity for the Ivory Coast international to rediscover his best form in familiar surroundings. Having previously impressed in Italy, Traoré will be eager to re-establish himself as one of Serie A’s standout attacking talents while remaining an important figure for the Elephants ahead of future international competitions.

With an agreement now in place between the two clubs, Traoré is expected to complete the remaining formalities before officially joining Genoa on loan for the 2026/27 season. If he impresses during his spell, the Italian club will have the option to make the transfer permanent for €8 million next summer.