Muscat – Italy’s oldest club Genoa CFC has secured the future of Suhayb Al Kharusi after signing a three-year contract with the Omani midfielder following his progress through the club’s youth system.

The agreement was unveiled in Muscat on Sunday, marking another milestone in Al Kharusi’s football career.

He enjoyed a strong 2024-25 campaign, progressing from Genoa’s Under-18 side to the Primavera squad, which competes in Italy’s top youth league. Al Kharusi made 28 appearances in Campionato Primavera 1 and accumulated more than 1,000 minutes of competitive action against some of the country’s leading youth teams.

His performances have drawn attention within the club, where coaches have highlighted his technical ability, creativity, passing range and tactical awareness.

He also impressed physically. Club data showed he recorded the fastest sprint speed in the squad at 33.5kmph, covered a team-high 1,631m at high intensity in a single match and registered the highest energy expenditure while maintaining a low fatigue index.

Genoa officials believe his blend of athleticism and football intelligence has established him as one of the club’s most promising young prospects.

“We are proud to confirm a three-year commitment to Suhayb Al Kharusi,” said Andres Blazquez, CEO of Genoa CFC.

“From the moment he joined our youth structure, he has shown the professionalism, focus and humility of a serious young footballer. His progress this season has confirmed every expectation we held for him.”

Blazquez said Al Kharusi’s development demonstrates the potential of Omani footballers to succeed in Europe and could help open opportunities for other players from the sultanate.

“His journey shows what Omani talent can achieve at the highest level of European football. We look forward to his continued development at Genoa,” he said.

Al Kharusi described the contract as a proud moment for himself, his family and Oman. “The club believed in me from the beginning and gave me everything I needed to grow as a footballer and as a young man,” he said.

“Now I want to keep working, keep improving and contribute to the team. My long-term aim is to play for the national team.”

Genoa also announced plans to establish Genoa Academy Oman, the club’s first academy in the sultanate. The initiative, club officials said, was inspired by Al Kharusi’s success and the talent identified during the club’s engagement with Oman.