Newly-appointed Genoa manager Andriy Shevchenko has reportedly added Milan outcast Samu Castillejo to his shopping list. Per Tuttosport (via MilanNews), the former Rossoneri striker entertains the idea of luring the Spaniard to the Luigi Ferraris in the January transfer window.
Shevchenko replaced Davide Ballardini as a Genoa head coach earlier this week. The Ukrainian’s first task will be to steer the Rossoblu away from the drop zone, as they currently sit level on points with relegation-threatened Sampdoria. Winless in nine Serie A matches on the trot (D6, L3), Shevchenko’s men look set for a season-long fight against the drop.
A trip to the Stadio Olimpico for an exciting match-up against Roma won’t make Shevchenko’s managerial debut in Serie A easy. However, it may provide an early insight into the Ukrainians’ ability to fashion Genoa’s comeback following a dreadful start to the season under Ballardini.
While waiting for his first official game in charge of the Grifone, Shevchenko has already started to make plans for the winter transfer window.
The first name on his shortlist appears to be Castillejo, who has slipped down the pecking order at San Siro. The Spanish winger has recorded just 89 minutes of top-flight action this term and could be enthusiastic about the prospect of moving to Genoa.
Castillejo attracted interest from several teams from his homeland during the summer. Real Betis and his ex-employers Villarreal were interested in bringing the 26-year-old back to La Liga, but they failed to find an agreement with Milan.
Castillejo’s situation at the club has since gone from bad to worse, with the left-footed forward falling out of favor with Stefano Pioli. Hence, Milan will be ready to listen to offers for their out-of-sorts star in the upcoming transfer window.
The only uncertainty is whether Milan will pursue a replacement for Castillejo should he ends up joining Genoa. The Rossoneri are short of reliable attacking options, and the Spaniard’s potential departure could force Paolo Maldini’s hand in January.