Genoa have reached a verbal agreement with Santos for 18-year-old Brazilian attacker Robinho Jr, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The deal is set to be structured as a loan with an option to buy, while the player is already in Italy as Genoa work towards completing the move.

The agreement represents a breakthrough after Santos rejected Genoa's previous proposal earlier this week, with the Brazilian club unhappy with the financial structure of the initial offer.

Robinho Jr's move to Serie A would represent the next major step in the career of a teenager who came through the Santos academy and made his first-team debut in 2025.

However, his club future is not the only reason the youngster has attracted attention. Italy have also approached him over a potential switch from Brazil at international level.

Why Genoa's Second Proposal Finally Won Over Santos

Genoa's interest in Robinho Jr is not new, with the Serie A club having previously submitted a proposal to Santos for the teenager.

Brazilian reports earlier stated that the initial offer was also based around a loan with an option to buy.

However, Santos were not satisfied with the financial structure of that proposal.

One of the main issues was Genoa's request for Santos to continue covering part of Robinho Jr's salary during the loan period.

The proposal was therefore rejected, leaving the Italian club needing to find a structure that would satisfy the Brazilian side.

Those negotiations have now moved forward. The player is already in Italy, suggesting that the transfer has entered its final stages.

For Genoa, the structure gives them an opportunity to bring the highly rated teenager into their squad before deciding whether to make the move permanent.

For Santos, it provides a potential route for their academy product to gain experience in European football while retaining an element of control over his future.

Who Is Robinho Jr? Santos Prospect Following in His Father's Footsteps

The Brazilian has attracted considerable attention because of both his potential and his famous surname.

He is the son of former Brazil international Robinho, who enjoyed a lengthy European career with Real Madrid, Manchester City and AC Milan.

However, the younger Robinho has begun creating his own path through football.

He came through the Santos academy, one of Brazil's most famous talent-producing systems, before making his senior debut for the club in 2025.

His development has continued despite the enormous expectations that naturally come with being the son of a former Brazilian star.

The teenager's performances have now attracted interest from Europe, with Genoa seeing enough potential to pursue a deal.

Robinho Jr's Santos Rise and 2026 Season So Far

Robinho Jr's progression at Santos has accelerated since making his senior debut.

The attacker signed a long-term contract extension with the Brazilian club in April 2026, keeping him under contract until March 30, 2031.

That agreement underlined Santos' belief in his long-term potential.

Despite his young age, Robinho Jr has already been involved regularly with the first team. He has made 13 appearances for Santos during the 2026 season.

His only goal came in a friendly, while his most recent official appearance came on July 21 against UCV in the Copa Sudamericana.

The numbers underline an important point about his development.

Robinho Jr is not moving to Europe simply as an academy player who has yet to experience senior football.

He has already made the transition into Santos' first team and is now preparing for an entirely different challenge in Serie A.

That makes the Genoa move an important moment in his development.

He will now have to adapt to a new country, a new tactical environment and a different style of football while competing for opportunities against established senior players.