Club Brugge has lost 16-year-old midfielder Noham Blandina to Italian club Genoa after negotiations over his first professional contract failed to yield an agreement, ending a six-year development run at the Belgian side.
Departure After Six Years in Bruges
Blandina left the Blauw-Zwart a few weeks ago after spending six seasons inside the club’s youth academy. Club Brugge had hoped to secure the teenage prospect’s long-term future, but talks regarding his inaugural professional terms stalled. Because he remained unsigned at 16 years old, Blandina became free to choose his next destination without requiring a traditional transfer fee.
Interest From Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain
Following his departure from Belgium, the young midfielder quickly drew attention from top European sides. According to reports from Gazzetta Regionale, which first revealed the player’s choice, Genoa successfully secured an agreement with Blandina. Italian media outlets indicated that both Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain also pursued the teenager before he finalized his move to Italy.
Blandina Returns to Italy After Belgian Youth Career
The move represents a return to the country Blandina represents at the international youth level. Holding dual Belgian and Italian citizenship, he has previously appeared in the matchday squads for Italy’s under-15 and under-16 national teams. In addition to his European ties, he remains eligible to represent Morocco through his mother’s heritage.
Blandina’s football education took place entirely in Belgium. Before arriving at Club Brugge for a six-year stint where he regularly captained youth sides, he spent time developing in the youth setups at Liedekerke and Dender.
Initial Placement in Genoa’s Youth Roster
Genoa intends to integrate the youngster gradually rather than thrusting him immediately into senior action. According to Il Secolo XIX, Blandina will begin his stint with the Italian club’s under-17 squad, with internal expectations pointing toward a swift promotion to the Primavera youth setup.
Academy Impact for the Blauw-Zwart
The exit deals a blow to Club Brugge’s youth strategy. In recent seasons, the Belgian club has poured considerable resources into its academy and the Club NXT setup, aiming to fast-track prospects into the professional ranks. Blandina’s unresolved contract status allowed Genoa to capitalize on the vacancy in the player’s paperwork, leaving the developmental powerhouse empty-handed.
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