Official | Ruslan Malinovskyi joins Genoa from Marseille on permanent deal | OneFootball

Olympique de Marseille have officially confirmed the departure of Ruslan Malinovskyi (30) to Genoa CFC.

The Ukrainian winger had been on loan in Italy with Genoa since the summer but the two clubs have now agreed to make his swap permanent, with Marseille thought to be receiving around €7 million for their now-former player.

Malinovskyi has made nineteen appearances for Genoa and has been important in their efforts to remain well away from the relegation zone, in their first year back in Serie A following their promotion campaign last season.

The deal for Malinovskyi might also mean that the negotiations between the Italian side and their French counterpart over Vitinha (23) are a step closer to being finalised. Vitinha, the record signing for Marseille, has struggled since his move from Braga to the south of France.

And it looked the best option for both sides if the forward was allowed to leave in the current transfer window. Genoa were interested in Vitinha, but Marseille were only willing to negotiate if the Italian club also made their deal for Malinovskyi permanent.

GFFN | Nick Hartland