According to the latest weekly report from the CIES Football Observatory, Italian-Nigerian centre-forward Jeff Ekhator is Genoa's most valuable asset.

The Swiss-based research group has published a ranking of the 100 teams worldwide whose academy graduates still under contract, either at the club or out on loan, have the highest combined transfer value. 

Spanish giants FC Barcelona top the list with a mobilisable asset valued at no less than €738 million.

Genoa place 85th in the ranking, with six academy graduates worth a combined €25 million.

Ekhator is the highest-valued product of Genoa’s academy, with an estimated market value of €12 million.

Born in Italy to Nigerian parents 19 years ago, he has represented Italy at both U19 and U21 levels. 

The striker became provisionally cap-tied to his country of birth in November 2024 after being named in the starting line-up for a European U19 Championship qualifier against Montenegro.

Ekhator made his Serie A debut on the opening day of the 2024–25 season, coming on as a substitute in the 86th minute of Genoa's 2–2 draw with Inter Milan.

With an estimated value of €335 million, Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal is the most valuable academy graduate in world football

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit: genoacfc.it