Stephan El Shaarawy is back where it all began. The 33-year-old has signed for Genoa on a free transfer, with the move recorded on 1 September 2026. He arrives as a free agent after leaving Roma on 1 July 2026. The fee is listed at 0 EUR, which reads like smart business for a Serie A side that needs attacking help. You can follow his profile and game-by-game output on Sofascore.

Transfer details and timing

El Shaarawy joins Genoa from No team, with the transfer dated 1 September 2026. That falls within Italy’s summer window, which runs until 18 September. The move is a free transfer, so Genoa add proven Serie A experience without a fee. He had become a free agent on 1 July 2026 after his Roma spell ended. For a club seeking punch in the final third, the timing suits both sides.

The 33-year-old is right footed, 178 cm tall, and comfortable as a left winger, attacking midfielder or on the left of midfield. His career has included AC Milan, Roma, Shanghai Shenhua and, earlier, Genoa. A proposed market value of 2.2M EUR underlines the low-risk nature of this addition. For fans wanting the full career arc, the Sofascore player page lays it out clearly. The return feels logical for a team that needs ideas and experience.

Form guide: what the numbers say

Last season with Roma in Serie A 25/26, El Shaarawy made 20 appearances, starting 5 and logging 657 minutes. He produced 1 goal and 2 assists, with 12 key passes and 3 big chances created. His average Sofascore Rating in Serie A was 6.74. Passing was clean at 84.9 percent accuracy, including 113 accurate passes in the final third. He attempted 18 shots, 7 on target, with a 5.56 percent conversion. Out of possession he won 6 tackles at a 60 percent success rate and made 30 ball recoveries.

In the UEFA Europa League 25/26, he added 1 goal across 7 appearances and posted a 6.89 Sofascore Rating. He delivered 6 key passes and hit 4 shots on target from 12 attempts. The pace remains, with a top speed of 33.56 km/h and 75 sprints. His Coppa Italia outing brought 90 minutes and a 6.8 Sofascore Rating. Discipline-wise, he collected 4 yellows in Serie A and 1 in Europe. In short, he contributed 2 goals and 2 assists across league and Europe and still covers ground at speed.

How Genoa are shaping up

Genoa have started the new Serie A campaign with two defeats and sit 16th. They have 0 points, 0 goals scored and 3 conceded. The losses came 0-2 at home to Napoli and 0-1 away at Lazio. There was cup relief with a 4-1 Coppa Italia win over Ascoli. From two league matches they attempted 19 shots, with 3 on target. Expected goals sits at 1.092, with 2 big chances created and 2 missed.

Build-up play has been steady with 86.9 percent pass accuracy and 50 percent average possession. They have won 52.6 percent of total duels and 56.1 percent on the ground. Crossing accuracy stands at 21.4 percent, and the final touch has been missing. Defensively, 32 tackles and 14 interceptions show work rate, though one error has led to a goal. The numbers suggest a team that reaches good zones but needs better end-product. That is the space El Shaarawy can influence.

Fit and role at Luigi Ferraris

El Shaarawy’s profile matches Genoa’s needs in the final third. His 113 accurate final-third passes and 12 key passes last league season point to quick combinations and cut-backs. He shoots mainly from inside the box, with 12 of 18 Serie A attempts coming there. That should mesh with runners attacking the near post. Positionally he can work off the left or tuck in as an attacking midfielder. With 154 sprints in the league and a 32.93 km/h top speed, he can still stretch back lines.

He also brings defensive effort, seen in 30 recoveries and a 60 percent tackle-win rate. For a side averaging 50 percent possession, he can be a transition outlet and a connector in settled play. While his set-piece shot volume is low, his chipped passes and long balls add variety to deliveries. Discipline will matter after 4 league bookings, especially in tight games. Fans can track his match-by-match Sofascore Rating on his profile and the Genoa team page. If he settles quickly at Luigi Ferraris, Genoa’s early table picture can look very different.