It’s been a busy summer for Genoa as they bid to strengthen their squad ahead of their impending Serie A return. According to the club’s website, Milan forward Junior Messias has become Alberto Gilardino’s latest signing.
Messias has joined Genoa on loan with an obligation to buy after two years at Milan. Following an impressive maiden season, the 32-year-old tumbled down the pecking order at San Siro last term.
Stefano Pioli’s stellar recruitment campaign has rendered the Brazilian’s first-team prospects dead in the water. After landing Christian Pulisic, Noah Okafor, and Samuel Chukwueze, Pioli has deemed Messias surplus to requirements.
Despite attracting interest from Turkish powerhouse Besiktas and perennial Serie A mid-table strugglers Torino, the ex-Crotone winger will continue his career at Genoa. He’s become the club’s third marquee summer signing.
Morten Thorsby and Mario Retegui have already linked up with the Luigi Ferraris outfit this summer. Both players were in Gilardino’s starting lineup on Friday as Genoa squeezed past Modena 4-3 in the opening Coppa Italia round.
Messias was in the stands watching Retegui bagging a brace on his competitive debut for the Rossoblu. His arrival should bolster Gilardino’s firepower, with Genoa looking to avoid a swift return to Serie B following last season’s runner-up finish.
While he could prove a decent coup for Genoa, Milan can now move on to removing other unwanted assets from their payroll. Charles De Ketelaere is next in line after Pioli’s men struck an agreement with Atalanta over his loan switch to Bergamo.
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