Lorenzo Colombo has completed a permanent transfer to Genoa from Milan for a fee of around €10 million, the club confirmed. The move follows a successful loan spell with Genoa, where he played a key role in securing their Serie A status for another season.
Colombo, a product of Milan’s youth academy, spent the last five years on loan at various Serie A clubs including Cremonese, Spal, Lecce, Monza, and Empoli. Despite showing promise during these spells, he struggled to establish himself as a consistent starter, often returning to Milan only to be loaned out again. This season, however, proved to be a breakthrough for the 24-year-old.
The obligation to buy was triggered by three conditions: Colombo reaching at least five league goals, making 22 appearances, and Genoa maintaining their Serie A status – which was confirmed after Cremonese’s defeat on Monday. Colombo exceeded expectations, finishing the season with seven goals and two assists in 35 Serie A matches, marking his most productive campaign to date. A significant part of his success is attributed to the influence of Genoa coach Daniele De Rossi, who arrived in November and immediately integrated Colombo into the starting lineup.
Colombo scored crucial goals under De Rossi, including strikes against Napoli and notably against his former club, Milan, at the San Siro. He also converted a vital penalty in a key match against Pisa in April. Having joined Milan’s youth system in 2010, Colombo was once touted as a future star, even impressing during pre-season friendlies with goals against Manchester City. Despite glimpses of potential, he was never fully integrated into the Milan first team, and the club ultimately decided to cash in on the academy graduate. The transfer represents a positive outcome for Milan, generating a transfer fee and a capital gain from a player they developed themselves.
