Brazil international goalkeeper Bento is set to fulfill his lifelong dream of playing in Serie A. The Al-Nassr shot-stopper has reached a verbal agreement with Genoa, effectively snubbing interest from the Premier League.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the deal is structured as an initial six-month loan with a buy option. If triggered, the 26-year-old Brazilian will sign a permanent contract keeping him at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris until June 2030.
Genoa Wins the Race Against West Ham
In a significant blow to West Ham United, who had been scouting the goalkeeper for months, Genoa has successfully “overtaken” the English side in the negotiations. The Italian club’s offer includes a buy option valued at approximately €9 million (£7.5m / R$ 56m).
For Bento, the move to Italy is personal. Holding Italian citizenship, the former Athletico-PR star has never hidden his desire to play in the country of his ancestors. Before his record-breaking move to Saudi Arabia in 2024, he was heavily linked with Inter Milan and Benfica.
The ‘One Last Game’ Protocol
Despite the agreement being “total,” Bento remains focused on his final duty in Saudi Arabia. The goalkeeper is expected to start for Jorge Jesus’s Al-Nassr in tonight’s massive clash against Al-Hilal. Once the Riyadh Derby concludes, Bento is scheduled to fly to Italy for medical tests and the official contract signing.
Fighting for Survival in Serie A
Bento won’t have an easy start in Italy. He joins a Genoa side currently languishing in 17th place in Serie A. To secure the starting spot, the Brazilian must displace the veteran Nicola Leali, who has been the first choice for the Rossoblu this season.
🚨🔴🔵 Genoa reach verbal agreement to sign Bento as new goalkeeper from Al Nassr, here we go!
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 — so to be signed post-match. pic.twitter.com/HpeSzpGwjM
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 12, 2026
A Historic Legacy
Bento still holds the record for the most expensive transfer of a Brazilian goalkeeper in history, following his €18 million move from Athletico-PR to Al-Nassr in July 2024. While his time in the Middle East was brief, his move back to Europe marks a strategic step to remain Dorival Júnior’s top choice for the Brazilian National Team ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
