Genoa have identified Al-Ittihad forward George Ilenikhena as a potential summer signing after completing a deal for the Saudi club’s Albania international Mario Mitaj.
The Italian side are looking to strengthen their attacking options ahead of next season, with Nigeria Under-? Wait source just Nigerian, no U. George Ilenikhena among the players being considered as they seek a new striker.
Genoa announced on Friday that Mitaj had joined on loan until the end of next season. The agreement includes an option for the Italian club to make the transfer permanent once the loan period ends.
According to Saudi newspaper Al-Riyadiyah, citing Sky Sports, Genoa have now added Ilenikhena to their list of targets for the current summer transfer window. The club, managed by former Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi, are understood to be assessing the Nigerian as a possible solution to their need for greater attacking depth.
Ilenikhena joined Al-Ittihad during the most recent winter transfer window from French club Monaco. However, his opportunities have been limited since moving to Saudi Arabia, with the 19-year-old making only six official appearances and failing to score or provide an assist in those matches.
The striker began his senior career with Amiens in France, being promoted to the first team in 2023. He subsequently moved to Royal Antwerp in Belgium before joining Monaco in 2024. His move to Al-Ittihad followed during the winter market.
Ilenikhena’s limited involvement at Al-Ittihad has prompted Genoa’s interest, but a potential departure could leave the Saudi club short of options in the centre-forward position.
Al-Ittihad currently have only Morocco international Youssef En-Nesyri and Saudi Arabia forward Saleh Al-Shehri listed as recognised options in that role. That situation could make it difficult for German head coach Jens Wissing to approve the sale or departure of Ilenikhena this summer.
The club’s decision will therefore depend not only on Genoa’s interest but also on whether Al-Ittihad can secure another striker before allowing the Nigerian forward to leave. For Genoa, the possible move would represent a second attempt to recruit from Al-Ittihad during the same transfer window, following the arrival of Mitaj on loan.
Mitaj and Ilenikhena have both been part of Al-Ittihad’s squad, although the two players have had different levels of involvement. Mitaj has now been given the opportunity to continue his career in Italy, while Ilenikhena could become the subject of further talks if Genoa decide to make a formal approach.
