Genoa President Heaps Praise On Imminent Inter Milan Signing: “A Rare Commodity, I’d Regret Losing Him” | OneFootball

Genoa president Alberto Zangrillo only had words of praise when discussing Josep Martinez who is on the cusp of finalizing a move to Inter Milan.

The Nerazzurri have identified the 26-year-old as Yann Sommer’s understudy for next season. He will thus replace Emil Audero who will return to his parent club Sampdoria following his loan spell.

The Spaniard started his career at Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy. He then had experiences at Las Palmas and RB Leipzig before joining Genoa in 2022.

The custodian helped the Grifone secure promotion to Serie A in his first campaign in Italy before showcasing his capabilities in the top flight this season.

The goalkeeper’s prowess caught the attention of the Nerazzurri who have reached an agreement with Genoa over a transfer. Martinez will reportedly undergo his medical next week before signing for the Italian champions.

For his part, Zangrillo admits he’ll regret the departure of his first-choice goalkeeper.

“I read that Martinez is close to joining Inter, but the market hasn’t started yet,” noted the Genoa president while chatting with reporters via FcInterNews.

“I would be very sorry if he leaves because he is an extraordinary lad who joined us almost by chance in Serie B and then had an extraordinary season in Serie A.

“He’s a good goalkeeper, a rare commodity, and very good with his feet. But will try to do our best to think coherently and not act as anyone’s boutique”.

Genoa President Zangrillo Would Loathe Losing Inter Milan Bound Goalkeeper Josep Martinez

Zangrillo also discussed Inter’s other transfer target Albert Gudmundsson. He insists that the Iceland international will overcome all legal troubles in reference to the assault case that recently emerged.

“No, this factor won’t affect Gudmundsson’s future. The kid is calm and will resolve doubts about it, he is certain about it.

“He is simply a young man of 27 years of age. He did what he did and he is a lad who must dream big.”