OM: Vitinha is already playing very big at Genoa

Vitinha’s tears. Here is one of the strong images of this 2024 winter transfer window in France. When emptying his locker and saying goodbye to his teammates at Olympique de Marseille, the 23-year-old Portuguese was very moved. We can understand it. A year ago, he made a dream come true by joining the Marseille team from Braga. He imagined himself staying in Marseille for years. After the first six months, where he had to adapt to a new football and a new life, he finished the 2022-23 season with a record of 2 goals and 1 assist in 16 appearances in all competitions, including 5 as as holder.

A new start at Genoa

Convinced that he could do better, Vitinha attacked this new 2023-24 financial year with the desire to win despite strong competition. Aligned 27 times (15 starts), notably alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the footballer born in 2000 found the net 4 times. He also delivered 2 assists. Beyond the numbers, his performances, irregular and unconvincing, convinced OM leaders that it was time to move on. They also recruited Faris Moumbagna to strengthen their attack.

Vitihna was asked to leave. He finally joined Genoa in the form of a loan with purchase options of 25 million euros. A sum which remains significant and which will allow the Olympians to limit the damage for an item purchased for 32 million euros in Braga, if of course the option is exercised at the end of the season by the Italians. This Thursday, La Gazzetta dello Sport also makes a point on this subject. The pink paper media explains that expectations are very high regarding the former Braga man. There GoS also specifies that the amount of the purchase option may seem high for a player failing in Marseille.

A player who could pay off big

But Vitinha’s profile remains interesting for Genoa who hope to achieve a good resale thanks to him in the future if all goes well. Moreover, the transalpine leaders are very concerned about this point, they who sold elements like Radu Dragusin at a high price, bought for 5.5 million euros and sold for 25 million euros to Tottenham. They hope to do the same with Morten Frendrup, Mateo Retegui, Albert Guðmundsson and therefore Vitinha, who will be bought a little more expensively. Genoa is counting on the Portuguese to revive and allow them to line their pockets later.

Before getting there, the 23-year-old must prove himself on the pitch. Coming into play for 14 minutes against Empoli last weekend, the striker, who showed good things according to the GoSdoes not come to make up the numbers as explained by his trainer, Alberto Gilardino. “He’s a mobile second forward, he has a good touch on the ball. We will have to wait for him, but he wants to come back, smile and be happy.” The Portuguese, who could play alongside Retegui, has everything to feel good and move forward in Italy. If this is the case, Genoa will check out and recruit him definitively. Vitihna has been warned!