Genoa complete loan signing of Al-Ittihad defender Mario Mitaj

Genoa have completed the signing of Albania defender Mario Mitaj from Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad, with the 22-year-old joining the Italian side until the end of the season.

Al-Ittihad have officially confirmed their agreement for Mitaj to move to Genoa. The deal allows the defender to leave the Saudi club on a temporary basis, with Genoa also holding an option to make the transfer permanent.

The agreement had previously been reported by Sky Italia, which said Genoa had reached an arrangement with Al-Ittihad over a loan deal for Mitaj, including the possibility of a permanent purchase at its conclusion.

Mitaj is currently in Genoa completing the formalities required before his move is finalised. He is also expected to begin training with his new team once the necessary procedures have been completed.

The defender’s contract with Al-Ittihad runs until the summer of 2028. His temporary switch to Genoa therefore does not represent the end of his existing agreement with the Saudi club, with the Italian side instead taking him for the remainder of the season under the terms of the loan.

Mitaj can operate both as a left-back and as a central defender, giving Genoa an option in two defensive positions. He joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2024 and helped the club win the league and cup double.

The move to Genoa marks the next stage of the Albania international’s career after two seasons with Al-Ittihad. His arrival will give him the opportunity to work with the Italian club’s squad while Genoa assess whether to exercise the option to sign him permanently.

Al-Ittihad’s approval of the transfer completes the key agreement between the two clubs. Mitaj’s immediate priority is now to finish the administrative process in Genoa and join collective training with his new team.

The transfer was confirmed on Friday, 31 July 2026.