Genoa's Search for a New No.9: Taremi and Other Options

Genoa’s search for a new No.9 is turning into a late-window maze, and Mehdi Taremi has stepped into view as one of several possible exits.

Daniele De Rossi wants a centre-forward who can lead the line immediately. The name at the top of his list hasn’t changed: Evan Ferguson. Genoa are still pushing to bring the Brighton striker in on loan, with talks described as progressing, but the deal is tangled up in one key issue – the timeline for the Irishman’s return from ankle surgery. Until there is clarity on when he can actually play, the move remains delicate.

So Genoa are widening the net.

One of the most intriguing alternatives is right under their noses this weekend. Lorenzo Lucca, now at Napoli, is another loan idea being explored, and De Rossi’s side will get a close-up look at him when the two clubs meet at Marassi. How he performs there will only sharpen opinions in the Genoa hierarchy.

Behind those primary targets sits Taremi. The Iranian international is not at the top of Genoa’s list, but he is firmly on it. After leaving Inter, he hit 16 goals for Olympiacos last season and arrived at this summer’s World Cup in form, a reminder of his experience and penalty-box craft. That kind of output has not gone unnoticed, and Genoa know they are not alone in tracking him, with competition expected for his signature.

The club are also casting their eye beyond Serie A. Milutin Osmajic of Preston is being monitored, a powerful Montenegrin forward who offers a different profile again. From Morocco, Tawfik Bentayeb at Union Touarga has also been flagged as a potential option as the recruitment team scours every possible route before the window shuts.

De Rossi wants a focal point. Genoa have options. The question now is which striker they trust to carry their attack into the heart of the season.