Genoa manager Daniele De Rossi is pushing for a reunion with Artem Dovbyk as the summer window heats up, but the financial realities of a deal for the AS Roma striker are proving to be a major stumbling block. Reports in Italy indicate that while the Giallorossi are open to selling the Ukrainian international, any move to the Genoa is far from straightforward.
De Rossi' s Desire for a Familiar Face
De Rossi, who spent virtually his entire playing career at Roma, knows Dovbyk well from their time together in the capital. The former midfield legend took charge of Genoa for the 2025-26 season and has identified the 28-year-old striker as a key target to bolster his attacking options. According to Football Italia, De Rossi is keen to add Dovbyk' s physical presence and hold-up play to a Genoa side that struggled for goals at times last term.
Reports in Italy claim that Daniele De Rossi wants a reunion with Roma striker Artem Dovbyk, but the deal remains complicated.
Dovbyk arrived at Roma in the summer of 2024 for a fee in the region of €30.5 million from Girona, fresh off a stellar season in La Liga where he finished as the top scorer. However, his first campaign in Serie A was underwhelming by comparison, with the Ukrainian netting just eight league goals. Despite flashes of his quality, he often struggled to adapt to the tactical demands and found himself in and out of the starting eleven.
Roma' s Willingness to Sell
From Roma' s perspective, cashing in on Dovbyk makes sense on several levels. The club is looking to trim its wage bill and free up funds for other areas of the squad, and Dovbyk is among the higher earners. Moreover, with new attacking arrivals potentially on the horizon, his playing time could be further limited. Roma are understood to be willing to listen to offers, but they are not prepared to take a significant financial hit. The idea is to recoup as much of the initial outlay as possible—a figure that currently prices Genoa out of a permanent transfer.
The Financial Hurdles
Genoa operates on a far tighter budget than their more illustrious counterparts. The club' s record signing remains well below the €30 million mark, and their wage structure is modest. Dovbyk' s salary alone would represent a substantial commitment, and any outright purchase is virtually impossible without a significant sale or external investment. This has led to talk of a potential loan deal with an option or obligation to buy, a structure that could allow Genoa to defer the bulk of the payment while giving Roma a guaranteed future fee.
However, even a loan is not without complications. Roma would likely require a hefty loan fee and possibly a wage contribution clause, while Genoa would need to satisfy the player' s personal terms. Dovbyk himself may have reservations about dropping down the table, though the chance to reunite with a manager who trusts him and to play regular first-team football could be persuasive.
Key Takeaways
- De Rossi' s pursuit: The Genoa coach wants to bring Artem Dovbyk to the club he now manages.
- Roma' s stance: The Giallorossi are open to selling but will not accept a cut-price deal.
- Financial reality: Genoa cannot afford a permanent transfer without creative structuring.
- Loan option: A temporary move with an obligation to buy is the most likely compromise.
- Player' s decision: Dovbyk must weigh guaranteed minutes against the challenge of reviving his career at a smaller club.
Quick Facts
Artem Dovbyk
Age: 28 (born 21 June 1997)
Current club: AS Roma (since 2024)
Transfer fee paid by Roma: ~€30.5 million
2024-25 Serie A goals: 8
Daniele De Rossi' s Genoa tenure: Appointed in 2025; keen to reunite with former Roma colleague
With the summer window still in its early stages, this is a story that could rumble on. Much will depend on whether Roma can find an alternative buyer willing to pay closer to their valuation, and whether Dovbyk himself pushes for the move. For now, De Rossi can only wait and hope that the reunion becomes a reality.