Italian club Genoa CFC have announced the signing of Omani midfielder Suhaib al Kharousi on a three-year professional contract, making him the first Omani footballer to secure a professional deal with a club competing in Italy’s Serie A system.
The agreement marks a significant milestone for Omani football and crowns Al Kharousi’s steady rise through Genoa’s youth ranks after joining the club’s development pathway and progressing to the Primavera squad.
The 20-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough 2024-25 season after moving from the Under-18 side to Genoa’s Primavera team, competing in Campionato Primavera 1, Italy’s top youth league. During the season, he made 28 appearances and accumulated more than 1,000 competitive minutes against the youth teams of leading Serie A clubs.
Al Kharousi established himself as a key figure in midfield through his technical quality, progressive passing, attacking contributions and ability to create opportunities for teammates. His performances placed him among the standout young players in his position within the club’s academy structure.
His physical statistics were equally impressive. The Omani midfielder recorded the fastest sprint speed in the squad at 33.5 km/h and registered the highest high-speed running distance in a single match at 1,631 metres. He also ranked among the team’s top performers in energy output while maintaining low fatigue levels, highlighting his endurance and athletic development.
Combining pace, stamina, creativity and tactical awareness, Al Kharousi has emerged as one of Oman’s most promising young football talents and a representative of a new generation of Omani players seeking opportunities in elite European football environments.
Commenting on the announcement, Andres Blazquez, CEO of Genoa CFC, praised the player’s development and commitment throughout his time at the club.
“We are proud to confirm a three-year commitment with Suhayb. Since joining our youth structure, he has demonstrated professionalism, focus and humility. His progress this season has validated the confidence we placed in him, and we look forward to supporting his continued development,” Blazquez said.
For his part, Al Kharousi described the contract as one of the proudest moments of his career.
“Signing this agreement with Genoa is a special moment for me, my family and Oman. The club believed in me from the beginning and provided everything I needed to develop both as a footballer and as a person. I am grateful to my coaches, teammates and everyone who supported me throughout this journey. My focus now is to keep improving and contribute to the team,” he said.
GENOA ACADEMY OMAN
Alongside the player’s announcement, Genoa also confirmed plans to launch Genoa Academy Oman, the club’s first official academy in the Sultanate of Oman.
The project aims to provide young Omani players with access to professional training programmes based on Genoa’s technical methodology, with Italian coaching expertise working closely with the club’s football department in Italy.
Yaqoub al Sawafi, Head Coach of Genoa Academy Oman, said the academy’s mission is to develop Omani talent according to international standards and help prepare players for opportunities at both local and international levels.
“Our goal is to create a professional environment that supports the long-term development of Omani players and contributes positively to the future of football in Oman,” he said.
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