Genoa have reached an agreement with Santos to sign highly-rated Brazilian attacker Robinho Jr, the 18-year-old son of former Real Madrid, Manchester City and AC Milan forward Robinho.
The teenager will join the Serie A club on an initial loan with an option to buy. Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano reported on Saturday that a verbal agreement had been reached and that Robinho Jr is already in Italy as the deal moves towards completion.
Brazilian outlet Globo Esporte reports that Genoa’s purchase option has been set at €8 million (£6.9m), with Santos retaining 10 per cent of the player’s economic rights should the Italian club eventually make the transfer permanent.
Genoa return after Santos rejected first offer
The breakthrough comes only days after Santos rejected Genoa’s initial proposal.
The first offer was also structured as a loan with an €8m purchase option, but Genoa wanted Santos to continue paying half of the youngster’s salary during the temporary spell. The Brazilian club refused those terms.
Negotiations continued and Genoa returned with an improved proposal.
Under the new agreement, Genoa will cover Robinho Jr’s salary in full during the loan. Globo Esporte reports that the player’s representatives also helped facilitate the breakthrough as the teenager seeks more regular playing time.
UOL reports that the initial loan will run for 10 months, with the €8m purchase option potentially supplemented by bonuses linked to international selection.
Robinho Jr already in Italy
The move has progressed quickly because Robinho Jr was already in Italy dealing with administrative matters relating to his European passport and residency.
He is now expected to complete the remaining formalities before being presented as a Genoa player.
Robson de Souza Júnior, his full name, was born in Santos in December 2007 and developed through the same Brazilian club that launched his father’s career.
He operates predominantly as a right winger but can also play in other attacking positions.
Santos promoted him to their senior squad in 2025. He has made 13 appearances this season and scored his first professional goal in a friendly against União São João. His most recent competitive appearance came against UCV in the Copa Sudamericana on July 21.
Following in father’s footsteps in Europe
The move inevitably brings comparisons with his father, who enjoyed a high-profile European career.
Robinho played for Real Madrid before joining Manchester City in 2008 in a then-British record £32.5m transfer. He subsequently moved to AC Milan, winning Serie A with the Italian giants.
Robinho Jr will now begin his own European journey in Italy.
Genoa view the teenager as a signing for the future rather than an automatic first-team starter. Italian reports say he could initially divide his time between the club’s Primavera side and Daniele De Rossi’s senior squad.
Santos had demonstrated their faith in the youngster only four months ago when they handed him a new long-term contract running until March 2031.
The deal has not yet been formally announced by Genoa, but with an agreement reached between the clubs and Robinho Jr already in Italy, the transfer is now moving towards completion.
