Hamed Junior Traoré is set to travel to Italy this week to undergo a medical examination with Genoa on Monday, as he looks to complete a loan deal with an option to buy that could rise to as much as €10 million. Early reports about the arrangement originated in France, with Footmercato suggesting a total cost of around €8 million. However, the latest updates from Gazzetta dello Sport and Tuttomercatoweb indicate a figure closer to €10 million when including add-ons and the loan fee, signaling the overall financial package for the operation.
According to prevailing reports, Traoré will land in Italy on Monday to complete his medical tests and formalize the contract. After signing, he is expected to join the rest of Genoa’s squad under head coach Daniele De Rossi for pre-season training camp in Moena, where the team is preparing for the upcoming campaign. This move marks a return to Italy’s top flight for the Ivory Coast international, who originally developed in the Empoli academy before progressing to Sassuolo, Napoli, and Auxerre along the way.
Traoré, 26, previously moved to Bournemouth in 2023 for a reported €25.6 million transfer, but his career faced a string of injuries that hindered his progress. He subsequently joined Marseille for around €7.7 million, seeking a fresh start and a path back to prominence. The Genoa deal would see Traoré re-enter Serie A, offering the club a versatile midfielder with experience across several Italian clubs and a proven ability to impact the game when fit.
This potential move highlights Genoa’s intent to fortify their midfield options ahead of the new season. Traoré’s arrival would provide depth and dynamism in the middle of the park, potentially benefiting Genoa’s overall tactical approach and squad rotation during the demanding schedule of a Serie A campaign. If the deal progresses to completion, Traoré’s integration into De Rossi’s system will be closely watched as he acclimates to Genoa’s style of play, the pace of Italian football, and the responsibilities that come with contributing both offensively and defensively.
The medicals in Italy are a customary step in confirming a loan with an option to buy, and the subsequent signing would enable Traoré to join Genoa’s pre-season group as preparations intensify. His return to Serie A, after his earlier experiences in the league with Empoli, Sassuolo, Napoli, and other clubs, underscores the enduring appeal of Italian football for a player whose career has been marked by both high potential and injury setbacks.
In summary, the deal now appears to be moving toward a €10 million framework when factoring in add-ons and the loan fee, with Traoré expected to complete his medical tests on Monday in Italy and then finalize the contract before joining Genoa’s training camp in Moena. The transfer would reintroduce an experienced, attacking-minded midfielder to Serie A and could have meaningful implications for Genoa’s midfield dynamism and strategic options in the upcoming season.
Content Source: Yahoo News
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