Genoa add Al-Ittihad striker George Ilenikhena to summer recruitment plans

Genoa have identified Al-Ittihad forward George Ilenikhena as a possible summer signing, shortly after completing a deal for the Saudi club’s Albania international Mario Mitaj.

The Italian side announced on Friday that Mitaj had joined on loan until the end of next season. The agreement also includes an option for Genoa to sign the left-back permanently when the loan period expires.

According to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, citing Sky Sport, Genoa are now considering a move for Ilenikhena as they continue to assess their attacking options during the current transfer window.

Genoa, managed by former Italy international Daniele De Rossi, are seeking to strengthen their squad with another striker ahead of next season. Ilenikhena is understood to be one of the players being considered to address that need.

The 19-year-old Nigeria international joined Al-Ittihad during the most recent winter transfer window after moving from French club Monaco. However, he has made only six official appearances for the Saudi side and has not scored or provided an assist in those matches.

Ilenikhena began his senior career at Amiens in France, where he was promoted to the first-team squad in 2023. He subsequently moved to Belgian club Royal Antwerp before joining Monaco in 2024. His next move took him to Al-Ittihad, known as the Tigers, where he became part of the club’s forward options.

Despite Genoa’s reported interest, Al-Ittihad may be reluctant to allow Ilenikhena to leave. The club currently have only two recognised out-and-out strikers in their squad: Morocco international Youssef En-Nesyri and Saudi Arabia forward Saleh Al-Shehri.

That limited depth could make any decision to part with Ilenikhena particularly difficult for German manager Jens Vissing. His lack of goals and assists since arriving has restricted his involvement so far, but the youngster remains one of the few available options in a position where Al-Ittihad have limited cover.

Genoa’s interest follows quickly after the club secured Mitaj’s temporary move from Al-Ittihad. The Italian club are now examining whether another player from the Saudi side could strengthen their squad, with Ilenikhena emerging as a possible target for the forthcoming campaign.

Any approach would come while Al-Ittihad weigh up their own need for attacking reinforcements and the practical difficulty of losing a forward when only En-Nesyri and Al-Shehri are currently available in that role.