Goalkeeper Bento, 26 years old and called up to Seleção Brasileira, reached a verbal agreement with Genoa, from Itália, for a loan transfer. The deal includes a purchase option set at around 9 million euros, equivalent to approximately R$56 million at the current price. The information initially came from journalist Fabrizio Romano and was confirmed by several market sources. Al-Nassr, the Saudi club where the archer has played since 2024, is awaiting the classic against Al-Hilal, played this Monday (12) in Saudi local time, to formalize the player’s release.
Bento lost space in the Al-Nassr starting lineup after the arrival of coach Jorge Jesus. Atualmente, he only appears in cup games, while Nawaf Al-Aqidi occupies the main position in the national league. Desde Upon his arrival at the Saudi club, the Brazilian played 59 matches, conceded 61 goals and did not win titles. The move to Italian football represents an opportunity for greater regularity at a high level, especially with the proximity of Copa to Mundo in 2026.
🚨🔴🔵 Genoa reach verbal agreement to sign Bento as new goalkeeper from Al Nassr, here we go!
—Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano)January 12, 2026
Loan deal with buy option clause around €9m fee.
Bento will only be allowed to leave after today’s game but verbal agreement in place — only to be signed post-match.pic.twitter.com/HpeSzpGwjM
Agreement in details and competition overcome
Genoa seeks to reinforce the defensive sector to escape the relegation zone in Serie A. The team occupies 17th position, with 16 points in 19 rounds, the result of three wins, seven draws and nine defeats. The team conceded 29 goals, representing the fourth worst defense in the competition, and scored just 19 times. Bento will have direct competition for a vacancy with Nicola Leali, current holder.
The deal surpasses interests from other European clubs. West Ham, from Inglaterra, demonstrated his proposal, but the goalkeeper prioritized Itália, where he has citizenship and has previously been on the radar of teams in the country. The loan allows Genoa to evaluate the Brazilian’s performance before exercising the purchase option.
Bento’s trajectory in Brazilian football and the national team
Bento built a solid career at Athletico-PR between 2019 and 2024. From 2021 onwards, he established himself as a starter and accumulated 164 games for the club from Paraná. Nesse period, conceded 163 goals and kept the goal clean on 59 occasions. Sua first call-up for Seleção Brasileira occurred while still defending Furacão, in 2023.
Since then, the goalkeeper has played six games for Canarinho. The last call-up took place on Data Fifa in October 2025, when Carlo Ancelotti called him up for friendlies against Coreia from Sul and Japão. The transfer to Europa can increase the number of minutes on the field and strengthen its position in the group aiming for Copa from Mundo.
Main motivation for change
Going to Genoa appears as a strategy to regain prominence. Bento seeks to play regularly in competitive leagues to remain on the radar of the Brazilian coaching staff. Italian football values defensive positioning and reading the game, aspects that align with the archer’s style.
The verbal agreement moves towards imminent signing after the Al-Nassr classic. Bento must undergo medical examinations and sign a contract in the next few hours or days. The operation reinforces Genoa in the fight for permanence and offers the player a clear path towards Europa.
Genoa seeks defensive stability
The Genoa defense is facing difficulties in the current season. The 29 goals conceded expose weaknesses that the new reinforcement can help correct. The team needs consistency to gain points in the remaining rounds and avoid falling into the second division.
Bento arrives with recent international experience and accumulated experience at Seleção. Sua Adaptation to the new club will be closely monitored by the fans and the Italian technical committee.
Outlook for the goalkeeper’s career
The transfer represents a strategic step in the professional trajectory. Após period of less use in the Al-Nassr, the Brazilian regains his chance to stand out in the European championship. Genoa provides an environment for development and visibility.
The agreement demonstrates developments in the transfer market involving Saudi clubs. Bento’s departure paves the way for Al-Nassr to adjust the squad, while the player gains opportunities in a traditional league.
