Genoa’s attempts to sign Alan Virginius from Young Boys Bern have reached a standstill, according to L’Équipe. The 23-year-old forward was previously understood to have an agreement in principle with the Swiss club allowing for a potential departure this summer, but Young Boys have reportedly reversed their position and now intend to retain his services.
Virginius, who is under contract with Young Boys until 2029, had attracted interest from multiple clubs, with Genoa leading the chase. Anderlecht and Paderborn have also registered their interest in the former Sochaux and Lille player in recent weeks, but all approaches have been rebuffed by the Bern-based club. The change in stance appears to be financially motivated.
Sources close to the negotiations suggest that Young Boys are now seeking a transfer fee in the region of €10-15 million for Virginius. This represents a significant increase from any previously discussed valuation, and is likely the primary reason for the stalled negotiations with Genoa. Virginius has not been a consistent starter for Young Boys, but his potential and age make him a valuable asset.
The player’s career has seen him progress through the youth ranks at Sochaux before moving to Lille in 2021. He joined Young Boys in January 2023, and has featured sporadically in both the Swiss Super League and European competitions. Genoa, currently seeking to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new Serie A season, identified Virginius as a key target, but will now need to significantly increase their offer to meet Young Boys’ demands.
Should Young Boys hold firm on their valuation, it could force Genoa to explore alternative targets. The situation could also prompt Virginius to reconsider his options, potentially seeking a move to a club more willing to meet Young Boys’ asking price. This development potentially limits Genoa’s attacking reinforcements ahead of the new season.
