Ruslan Malinovskyi returns to Serie A following a dismal six-year stint in Ligue 1. Genoa and Marseille have struck an agreement for the Ukraine international to spend the 2023/24 season on loan at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. As announced by the Italian club, the 30-year-old has already signed the documents to become Alberto Gilardino’s latest high-profile signing.
Back to Serie A after a season-long spell in the second tier, Genoa won’t take any chances. They’ve been at the forefront of the Italian market alongside Milan this summer. Gilardino’s impressive incoming deals started with Mario Retegui’s arrival from Argentina. Soon after, others followed in the striker’s footsteps.
Morten Thorsby is back in town after a disappointing stint at Union Berlin. Having previously worn the Sampdoria jersey, the Norwegian has been one of Genoa’s most controversial signings this summer. Junior Messias and Koni De Winter have joined on loan from Milan and Juventus respectively.
But Malinovskyi’s shock return to Serie A is the icing on the cake. In spite of his struggle at Marseille, the Ukrainian star used to be one of the fiercest forwards in Italy during his time at Atalanta. Genoa will hope he can regain his form under Gilardino.
While he initially joins on loan, Genoa will have the option to sign him permanently next summer. Given Malinovskyi’s unquestionable quality and vast Serie A experience, a €10 million buy option clause looks like a highway robbery, especially in today’s inflated market.
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