Mario Mitaj transfer could earn Al-Ittihad up to €6.5m from Genoa move

Al-Ittihad will receive €2m for loaning Albania international Mario Mitaj to Genoa, with the Italian club holding an option to sign the defender permanently for a further €4.5m.

Genoa announced on Friday that it had completed the signing of Mitaj on a temporary deal running until the end of next season. The agreement includes a clause allowing the Serie A club to pursue a permanent transfer once the loan period has ended.

Italian journalist Francesco Guerrieri reported that Genoa will pay €2m for the loan of the 23-year-old full-back. The club could then complete the transfer for €4.5m if it decides to activate the purchase clause.

Guerrieri added in a post on his personal account on X that the permanent-transfer provision is optional rather than compulsory. Genoa will therefore not be required to sign Mitaj at the end of his loan spell, with the decision expected to depend on the player’s performances and whether he can convince head coach Daniele De Rossi.

The structure of the deal means Al-Ittihad could receive a total of €6.5m if Genoa chooses to make Mitaj’s move permanent. For now, however, only the €2m loan payment has been agreed, while the additional €4.5m remains dependent on the Italian club’s decision.

Mitaj joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2024 after moving from Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow. During his time with the Saudi Arabian side, he helped the team win both the league title and the King’s Cup in the season before last.

His departure comes as Al-Ittihad allow the Albania international to continue his career in Italy, where he will now compete for a place in Genoa’s squad. The move also gives him the opportunity to work under De Rossi, who will assess the defender during the loan period before any decision is taken over a permanent transfer.

Mitaj is expected to join Genoa’s training sessions within the next few hours. His arrival is intended to prepare him for the start of his official involvement with the club ahead of the new season.

The loan agreement gives Genoa time to evaluate the full-back in competitive conditions before deciding whether to commit to the permanent fee. If he performs well and earns De Rossi’s approval, the club can exercise the option and complete the transfer for €4.5m. If not, Mitaj will return to Al-Ittihad after the loan concludes.