Genoa’s pursuit of Antonio Candreva has hit an unexpected snag after initial reports suggested the deal was nearly complete. As the new week begins, the transfer that seemed imminent over the weekend has come to a sudden halt.
Calciomercato report that the hesitation stems from doubts within the Genoa camp about signing the 37-year-old Roman midfielder. Despite Candreva’s solid performance with Salernitana last season, concerns have arisen regarding the potential impact on the team’s locker room dynamics. The club’s management is reportedly worried about disrupting the well-established hierarchies within the squad.
These considerations have led Genoa’s leadership to put the negotiations on hold, contradicting earlier assumptions that the deal was all but finalized. Candreva’s potential return to Genoa, where he previously played for Sampdoria from 2020 to 2022, is now in question.
However, Genoa remains active in the free agent market, seeking a player who can address their needs while gaining unanimous approval within the organization. This search is partly driven by the need to mitigate the impact of recent player departures from Alberto Gilardino’s squad.
In light of this, another name has resurfaced in Genoa’s considerations: Dele Alli. The English midfielder, previously linked with the club, presents his own set of challenges. Alli’s recent struggles with mental health and addiction, which led to a rehabilitation stint, raise concerns about his psychological readiness. Additionally, the 28-year-old Anglo-Nigerian has been sidelined since February 2023 due to a thigh injury sustained while playing for Besiktas.
The time required for Alli to regain match fitness – estimated at several weeks – may be a luxury Genoa cannot afford at this stage of the season. As the club weighs its options, the search for the right reinforcement continues, balancing immediate needs with long-term considerations.
