Genoa wins battle for 16‑year‑old Noham Blandina despite Juventus and PSG interest

While Juventus and Paris Saint‑Germain showed interest in the 16‑year‑old attacking midfielder Noham Blandina, he chooses a new adventure at Genoa, leaving the youth academy of Club Brugge. After six seasons in the Bruges youth setup, where he often wore the captain’s armband, he does not sign a professional contract and heads to Italy.

Youth development and national options

Blandina holds both Belgian and Italian nationality and represented Italy at U15 and U16 level. His mother has Moroccan roots, meaning he could also be eligible for Morocco. Through Liedekerke and Dender he reached Club Brugge, where he further developed over the past years.

Genoa's plan and Club Brugge's disappointment

Genoa want Blandina to start first with the U17 squad, after which he must progress as quickly as possible to the Primavera, the club’s main youth team. Club Brugge wanted to keep the talent longer, but without a first professional contract he could leave without a traditional transfer fee. The Italians see him as a long‑term investment.

According to Italian media, Juventus and Paris Saint‑Germain also showed interest, but Blandina does not choose the most prestigious destination. At Genoa he hopes to be able to take steps more quickly towards professional football.

For Club Brugge the departure is a disappointment. The league champion has been heavily investing in its own youth academy for years and tries to offer young players a professional contract quickly via Club NXT, but foreign interest remains hard to fend off.

For Blandina it becomes a return to the country he already represents internationally. With his dual nationality and the possibility to choose Morocco, his future national team choice remains open.