Genoa target Colombian centre-back Brayan Medina; Wolves and Olympiacos also monitoring

Transfer interest emerges

Serie A side Genoa have turned their attention to Colombian centre-back Brayan Medina, currently plying his trade with Tondela in the Spanish Segunda División. Reports from Colombia, cited by Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb, indicate that the Ligurian club has expressed concrete interest in the 24-year-old defender. However, Genoa are not alone in the pursuit – Greek giants Olympiacos and Premier League side Wolverhampton are also said to be monitoring Medina’s situation.

Medina, who turned 24 earlier this year, joined Tondela in the summer of 2025 after a career that has largely been spent in his native Colombia. Last season he made 28 appearances for the Portuguese club’s Spanish-based project (Tondela competes in the Spanish second tier following a corporate relocation in 2024), establishing himself as a regular in the heart of defence.

Key facts

Genoa’s defensive planning

Genoa’s interest in Medina fits a pattern of the club scouting South American talent. The Grifo have relied on a mix of experienced Serie A defenders and younger prospects in recent seasons, and adding a Colombian centre-back with European experience (even at a lower tier) could represent a cost-effective reinforcement. The club’s scouting network has been active across Latin America, and Medina’s physical profile – a 1.85m right-footed defender comfortable in a back three or back four – is seen as a good fit for Italian football.

It remains unclear whether Genoa would pursue a winter move or wait until the summer. The report from AS Colombia, relayed by TuttoMercatoWeb, does not specify a potential fee or whether Tondela would be open to a January sale. Given that Medina has a contract with Tondela until at least 2028, any suitor would likely need to pay a transfer fee.

Competition for signature

Olympiacos and Wolverhampton add a competitive layer to the story. Olympiacos have a track record of signing South American defenders and integrating them into European football, often using the Greek league as a stepping stone. The Piraeus club’s interest suggests they see Medina as a player who could adapt quickly to a different style of play.

Wolverhampton, meanwhile, have long looked to the Portuguese market and beyond for defensive talent. Their recruitment model under the current sporting structure has favoured players with experience in Iberian leagues, and Medina’s time at Tondela would fit that profile. However, the Premier League would represent a significant step up in level from the Spanish second division, and any move to Wolves might involve an initial loan to a partner club or a development plan.

Player profile

Medina came through the youth system at América de Cali, one of Colombia’s most storied clubs, and made 40 senior appearances for them before moving on to Atlético Huila, where he scored four goals in 29 games. A loan spell at Fortaleza CEIF followed, where he added 13 appearances and one goal. His move to Tondela in 2025 was his first experience outside Colombia, and he has adjusted well to European football.

Standing at around 1.85m, Medina is strong in aerial duels and reads the game well, though his distribution can be inconsistent. At 24, he is entering the stage where European clubs typically expect a defender to show consistency and potential for growth. His 28 appearances last season suggest he has won the trust of the Tondela coaching staff.

Market context

The transfer window for most European leagues remains open until the end of August, although the Italian window closes slightly later. For Genoa, adding a central defender has been a priority after some injury concerns in pre-season. The club is also reportedly looking at other options, so Medina may be one of several targets.

For Colombian football fans, Medina’s potential move to Serie A or the Premier League would be another example of the country’s defensive pipeline extending into European top leagues. He has not yet been capped by Colombia’s senior national team, but a move to a higher-profile league could bring him closer to selection.

As with any summer transfer rumour, the situation remains fluid. The report from AS Colombia is the sole source for this specific interest, and no official bids have been confirmed. Readers should treat this as an early-stage story pending further confirmation.

Source: TuttoMercatoWeb – “Genoa, dalla Colombia: piace Medina del Tondela. Ci sono altri due club europei” (https://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/genoa-colombia-piace-medina-tondela-club-europei-2258075)