Sky Sports Italia has revealed that Genoa's young Italian striker, Jeff Eccatore, is on Al-Hilal's shortlist of targets to bolster their attacking options during the winter transfer window, which closes on February 2nd. This move comes as the Saudi club seeks to provide coach Jorge Jesus with additional options before the crucial stages of the season.
Background of interest and market context
Al-Hilal's interest in promising young players in Europe is part of a broader strategy adopted by Saudi Pro League clubs, which is no longer limited to attracting established international stars, but has expanded to include emerging talents who can represent an investment for the future. This endeavor coincides with an exceptional season for Al-Hilal, which leads the league standings by a comfortable margin and is competing strongly on multiple fronts, including the AFC Champions League and the King's Cup. This necessitates a strong bench capable of compensating for any potential absences and maintaining a high level of performance.
Who is Jeff Eccator?
Nineteen-year-old Jeff Eccatore is considered one of the most promising names in Italian football. He impressed with Genoa's youth teams, leading to his promotion to the first team. According to reports, Eccatore is seen as an alternative option should negotiations with their other target, Frenchman Mohamed Kader Maïga of Rennes, fall through. Eccatore boasts a strong record in his time with Genoa's academy, having made approximately 46 appearances across various age groups, scoring four goals and providing one assist – figures that reflect his potential as a young attacking player with a bright future ahead of him.
Strategic importance and expected impact
Completing such a deal would not only bolster Al Hilal's attacking prowess domestically, but would also send a powerful message both regionally and internationally. Domestically, the arrival of Ecuador would provide coach Jesus with added depth in the forward line, especially given the extended absence of Brazilian star Neymar Jr. due to injury. On a broader scale, acquiring a young player from a prestigious league like Serie A underscores the appeal and strength of the Saudi Professional League project, demonstrating its potential to attract players at the beginning of their professional careers, not just at the end. According to the specialized website Transfermarkt, the player's market value is approximately €7.5 million, making the deal a logical and attractive investment for a club of Al Hilal's stature, balancing its immediate ambitions with its long-term plans.
