Genoa Cricket and Football Club, one of Italy’s oldest and most storied football institutions, enters the 2024/25 season with a squad brimming with talent, ambition, and a mix of experienced veterans and promising youngsters. After a series of strategic signings and shrewd transfers, the Rossoblu are poised to make a significant impact in Serie A and beyond. This season’s roster reflects a careful balance between defensive solidity, midfield creativity, and attacking firepower, all orchestrated under the guidance of a progressive coaching staff. Below, we delve into the detailed breakdown of the Genoa CFC squad for the 2024/25 campaign, categorized by position.
Goalkeepers
Josip Posavec
Nationality: Croatian
Former Clubs: Hajduk Split, Palermo, Ascoli
Transfer Fee: €2.5 million (2023)
Josip Posavec, Genoa’s first-choice goalkeeper, has established himself as a reliable shot-stopper since joining from Ascoli. Known for his quick reflexes and commanding presence in the box, Posavec has been instrumental in keeping Genoa’s defense organized. His ability to read the game and make crucial saves in one-on-one situations has earned him plaudits from fans and pundits alike. With over 200 Serie B appearances and a growing reputation in Serie A, Posavec is a cornerstone of Genoa’s defensive setup.
Nicola Leali
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Juventus, Cesena, Frosinone
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
A seasoned veteran, Nicola Leali brings a wealth of experience to Genoa’s goalkeeping department. Having spent time at Juventus and various Serie A clubs, Leali is a dependable backup option. His leadership qualities and ability to mentor younger players make him an invaluable asset. While not as agile as he once was, Leali’s positioning and shot-stopping abilities remain top-notch.
Elia Caprile
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Leeds United, Bari, Napoli
Transfer Fee: Loan with option to buy (2024)
Elia Caprile, a promising young goalkeeper, joins Genoa on loan from Napoli. Caprile has impressed in Serie B with Bari, showcasing his excellent distribution and composure under pressure. At just 22 years old, he represents the future of Genoa’s goalkeeping ranks and will be looking to gain valuable experience in Serie A.
Defenders
Djed Spence
Nationality: English
Former Clubs: Middlesbrough, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham Hotspur
Transfer Fee: €10 million (2024)
Djed Spence, a dynamic right-back, joined Genoa in a high-profile transfer from Tottenham Hotspur. Known for his blistering pace and attacking prowess, Spence is a modern full-back who excels in both defense and attack. His ability to deliver pinpoint crosses and contribute to the attack makes him a key player in Genoa’s system. Spence’s defensive awareness has also improved significantly, making him a well-rounded asset.
Mattia Bani
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Chievo Verona, Bologna
Transfer Fee: €4 million (2022)
A mainstay in Genoa’s defense, Mattia Bani is a no-nonsense center-back who thrives in aerial duels and tackles. His physicality and reading of the game make him a reliable presence at the back. Bani’s leadership on the pitch has been crucial in organizing Genoa’s defensive line, and his experience in Serie A is invaluable.
Radu Dragusin
Nationality: Romanian
Former Clubs: Juventus, Sampdoria, Salernitana
Transfer Fee: €6 million (2023)
Radu Dragusin, a towering center-back, has quickly become a fan favorite at Genoa. His strength, aerial ability, and composure on the ball make him a standout defender. Dragusin’s versatility allows him to play in a back three or four, and his ability to initiate attacks from the back adds an extra dimension to Genoa’s play.
Andrea Cambiaso
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Juventus, Bologna, Empoli
Transfer Fee: Loan with option to buy (2024)
Andrea Cambiaso, a versatile left-back, rejoins Genoa on loan from Juventus. Known for his energy and technical ability, Cambiaso is equally adept at defending and supporting the attack. His overlapping runs and precise crosses provide Genoa with width and creativity on the left flank.
Alessandro Vogliacco
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Bari, Parma
Transfer Fee: €3 million (2023)
Alessandro Vogliacco, a young and promising center-back, has shown great potential since joining Genoa. His ability to read the game and make timely interceptions has earned him a regular spot in the starting lineup. Vogliacco’s calmness under pressure and willingness to learn make him a player to watch this season.
Midfielders
Morten Frendrup
Nationality: Danish
Former Clubs: Brøndby
Transfer Fee: €5 million (2023)
Morten Frendrup, a box-to-box midfielder, has been a revelation since joining Genoa. His tireless work rate, combined with his ability to break up play and drive forward, makes him a key player in midfield. Frendrup’s passing range and vision have also improved, adding creativity to his game.
Kevin Strootman
Nationality: Dutch
Former Clubs: PSV Eindhoven, Roma, Marseille
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2023)
A veteran midfielder with a wealth of experience, Kevin Strootman brings leadership and composure to Genoa’s midfield. Known for his passing accuracy and tactical intelligence, Strootman is a calming presence in the heart of the team. His experience in top European leagues is invaluable for Genoa’s younger players.
Milan Badelj
Nationality: Croatian
Former Clubs: Fiorentina, Lazio, Genoa (returning)
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Milan Badelj, a familiar face at Genoa, returns to the club after a successful spell at Lazio. A deep-lying playmaker, Badelj is known for his passing range and ability to dictate the tempo of the game. His experience and technical ability make him a vital cog in Genoa’s midfield.
Nicolò Rovella
Nationality: Italian
Former Clubs: Genoa (loan), Juventus
Transfer Fee: Loan with option to buy (2024)
Nicolò Rovella, a technically gifted midfielder, rejoins Genoa on loan from Juventus. His ability to control the midfield and distribute the ball with precision has made him a fan favorite. Rovella’s work rate and defensive contributions add balance to Genoa’s midfield.
Filip Jagiello
Nationality: Polish
Former Clubs: Parma, Atalanta
Transfer Fee: €4 million (2023)
Filip Jagiello, an attacking midfielder, has been a creative force for Genoa since his arrival. His dribbling skills, vision, and ability to score from distance make him a constant threat. Jagiello’s versatility allows him to play in multiple positions across the midfield.
Forwards
Albert Guðmundsson
Nationality: Icelandic
Former Clubs: PSV Eindhoven, AZ Alkmaar
Transfer Fee: €6 million (2022)
Albert Guðmundsson, Genoa’s star forward, has been in scintillating form since joining the club. Known for his pace, dribbling, and clinical finishing, Guðmundsson is a nightmare for defenders. His ability to create chances out of nothing makes him a key player in Genoa’s attack.
Caleb Ekuban
Nationality: Ghanaian
Former Clubs: Leeds United, Trabzonspor
Transfer Fee: €3 million (2023)
Caleb Ekuban, a powerful and versatile forward, adds depth to Genoa’s attacking options. His physicality and ability to hold up the ball make him a valuable asset in both scoring and creating opportunities. Ekuban’s work ethic and determination have endeared him to the Genoa faithful.
Mateo Retegui
Nationality: Argentine/Italian
Former Clubs: Boca Juniors, Tigre
Transfer Fee: €8 million (2023)
Mateo Retegui, a prolific striker, has been a revelation since joining Genoa. His intelligent movement, clinical finishing, and aerial ability make him a constant threat in the box. Retegui’s adaptability and goal-scoring prowess have made him a fan favorite.
Yayah Kallon
Nationality: Sierra Leonean
Former Clubs: Juventus, Cagliari
Transfer Fee: Free transfer (2024)
Yayah Kallon, a pacey winger, joins Genoa on a free transfer. Known for his speed and dribbling skills, Kallon provides width and creativity on the flanks. His ability to take on defenders and deliver crosses adds a new dimension to Genoa’s attack.
Conclusion
The 2024/25 Genoa CFC Squad is a blend of youth and experience, with a strong emphasis on tactical flexibility and attacking flair. Each player brings unique qualities to the team, contributing to a cohesive and dynamic unit. With a solid defensive foundation, a creative midfield, and a potent attack, Genoa is well-equipped to compete at the highest level. As the season unfolds, the Rossoblu faithful will be hoping that this talented squad can deliver success and bring pride to one of Italy’s most historic clubs.
