Al-Ittihad in advanced talks to loan Mario Mitaj to Genoa as Saudi club lines up midfield overhaul

Al-Ittihad are in advanced negotiations with Italian side Genoa over a loan move for Albanian defender Mario Mitaj, as the Jeddah club accelerates plans to rebuild its midfield following the departures of Fabinho and N’Golo Kante, according to Saudi newspaper Arriyadiyah.

The report says discussions between the two clubs are progressing over a season-long loan that would include an option to buy the 21-year-old, who joined Al-Ittihad last season and is regarded as one of the most promising young full-backs in European football.

Talks are understood to be ongoing, with both sides working towards a final agreement that would see Mitaj move to Serie A in the coming period.

Genoa move for Mitaj gathers pace

Arriyadiyah reports that Al-Ittihad and Genoa have entered “advanced negotiations” concerning Mitaj’s temporary transfer to the Italian club.

The proposed deal is structured as a loan with a purchase option, a format that would allow Genoa to assess the Albania international over the course of the season before committing to a permanent move.

While no financial details have been disclosed, the Saudi outlet indicates that talks remain active and that both clubs are aiming to finalise the player’s switch ahead of the new campaign.

Al-Ittihad target midfield reinforcements

At the same time, Al-Ittihad are working on reshaping their midfield options after the exits of Brazilian Fabinho and French World Cup winner N’Golo Kante.

The Jeddah club has identified Nigeria international Raphael Onyedika and Egypt midfielder Marwan Attia among its leading targets to strengthen the defensive midfield role, Arriyadiyah says.

The newspaper reports that Onyedika, currently with Belgian side Club Brugge, and Attia, who plays for Cairo giants Al Ahly, are “within the options” under consideration by Al-Ittihad’s hierarchy as they seek to rebuild the spine of the team.

Earlier, the same outlet revealed that “the Tigers” – as Al-Ittihad are known – had been studying the possibility of signing Marwan Attia along with his Egypt team-mate Emam Ashour.

The club’s board is said to be awaiting a final technical assessment from German head coach Jens Vessing before opening formal talks with Al Ahly over any potential deal.

According to the report, no official negotiations with the Egyptian champions will take place until Vessing signs off on the profile and suitability of the players targeted for his midfield rebuild.

Egypt pair impress on World Cup stage

Both Attia and Ashour enhanced their reputations with standout performances for Egypt at the 2026 World Cup finals.

Their displays in the tournament have increased interest from clubs in the Middle East and Europe, with Al-Ittihad now weighing up whether to move decisively for the pair as they look to refresh an ageing squad and compete domestically and in continental competitions.

Attia, 27, has built a reputation as a disciplined holding midfielder with strong positional awareness and passing range.

Attia’s record and contract situation

Over the course of his club career, Marwan Attia has made 250 appearances, scoring four goals and providing 11 assists.

He remains under contract with Al Ahly until the summer of 2029, a long-term deal that is likely to give the Cairo club a strong negotiating position if Al-Ittihad – or any other suitor – decide to make a formal offer.

Any move for Attia would therefore be expected to require a significant financial package, particularly given his importance to Al Ahly and his elevated profile following Egypt’s World Cup campaign.

For now, Al-Ittihad’s immediate focus appears twofold: finalising Mario Mitaj’s proposed switch to Genoa and securing the green light from Jens Vessing before launching any formal bid for the midfielders on their shortlist.