“It is an honor and a great responsibility to become a major shareholder of Genoa CFC. Managing a football club means not limiting yourself only to business-related aspects.It is an activity that requires a genuine passion for this sport and a commitment to the community of fans who live for these colors,”
These are the first words of Andrei Sucu, the new owner of Genoa CFC, following a €40 million capital injection that was officially completed yesterday. The Romanian entrepreneur – with a background in the furniture industry and other ventures – takes the reins from 777 Partners, the American investment firm that exited the club last Saturday.
Sucu’s vision includes forging strong ties between Genoa and clubs in Eastern Europe, a strategy that could reshape player advancement and transfer dynamics. “Among the programmatic points, I would like to start a triumphant collaboration between Genoa and some Eastern European clubs, including Rapid Bucharest. We will certainly see young Italian footballers start their careers in these clubs, playing not only in the relevant national championships, but also in European cups and competitions. At the same time, some of the best talents from these countries will have the prospect to play, with the Genoa shirt, in one of the most important championships in the world such as the Italian one,” Sucu stated.
This approach mirrors,in some ways,the multi-club ownership model seen with City Football Group (Manchester City) and Red Bull (RB Leipzig,New York Red Bulls),though with a specific geographic focus. The potential benefits include access to a wider talent pool and opportunities for player loans and development.
“My life and professional career have taught me that the most important results are achieved with teamwork at every level. This makes me understand the importance of the involvement of fans in the life of the club and how important it is for them to see sporting results that live up to expectations,” he continued.
Fan engagement is a critical component of any successful sports franchise, and Sucu’s emphasis on teamwork and community resonates with the passionate Genoa supporters. This mirrors the approach taken by successful American sports franchises, such as the Green Bay Packers, who have a strong connection with their local community.
“Along with the fans, I see many young people working in the club management and this makes me very happy. Even though I am over 60,I believe I can contribute,with my experience and energy,to achieving great goals together. Dear Genoans, I can’t wait to see you at the stadium and go Genoa,” concluded Sucu.
The change in ownership at Genoa CFC marks a significant moment for the club and it’s supporters. Sucu’s vision for collaboration with Eastern European clubs and his emphasis on fan engagement could usher in a new era of growth and success for the Italian side. Whether this strategy will pay off remains to be seen, but it certainly injects fresh hope into the Genoa faithful.
