Alemany eyes Johan Vásquez as Genoa captain draws Atletico’s attention
While Johan Vásquez celebrated a hard‑won 2‑1 victory for Genoa over Fiorentina, Atlético de Madrid’s sporting director Mateu Alemany was already mapping a summer move that could see the Mexican captain leave Italy before his contract runs to 2028.
Genoa captain’s profile and recent performance
At 27, the left‑footed centre‑back has become a fixture in Genoa’s back line, captaining the Serie A side and amassing 37 appearances in the 2023/24 campaign, three of which were goals. He repeated a heavy workload with 36 league matches recorded for the 2025/26 season. Standing 1.82 metres tall, Vásquez combines intensity, tactical discipline and the ability to launch the ball forward, qualities that could complement Cuti Romero at the Metropolitano.
His recent outing at the Luigi Ferraris saw Genoa win 2‑1 thanks to Milutin Osmajić and Junior Messias, but Vásquez suffered a personal setback when he diverted the ball into his own net in the 73rd minute – the first own goal of his career. He completed the match, earning a yellow card in the 84th minute.
Atlético’s interest and contractual realities
Mateu Alemany, monitoring the defender for months, views Vásquez as a profile that matches Atlético’s desire to reinforce the defensive axis. The Mexican’s contract runs until 2028, meaning any summer approach would require negotiations with Genoa. Prior to his Italian stint, Celta de Vigo attempted to sign him in 2023, a proposal he declined.
Born in Navojoa, Sonora, Vásquez rose through the Pumas UNAM academy before moving to Europe in 2021, initially featuring for Cremonese before establishing himself at Genoa. His international résumé includes an Olympic bronze in Tokyo 2020 – five matches and one goal – as well as CONCACAF Gold Cups in 2023 and 2025 and the Nations League title in 2024.
Deportivo reported that Alemany’s pursuit reflects a broader strategy to add European‑experienced Mexican talent to the squad, a move that could see the defender’s contract shortened if a summer transfer materialises.