Italian champions Pro Recco are expected to be one of the busiest clubs in the transfer market ahead of the 2025/26 season.
After a season marked by financial uncertainty and changes to their core squad, the club is now looking to rebuild and reinforce across multiple positions. With several high-profile names already rumoured and a clear strategy to blend experience with emerging talent, Recco are intent on reasserting their dominance in both Serie A1 and the Champions League.
Álvaro Granados Expected to Join After Year-Long Delay
One of the most anticipated moves of the summer is the long-delayed arrival of Spain’s Álvaro Granados. The 26-year-old attacker had signed with Recco in 2024 but never made the switch due to financial instability at the club. Now, it appears the transfer will finally materialize.
Granados is widely regarded as one of the best all-round players in the world, capable of playing across multiple offensive positions. His addition would bring a significant scoring threat and international pedigree to a Recco side aiming to return to the top of European water polo.
Max Irving Swaps Brescia for Pro Recco
There is also growing speculation around the future of American international Max Irving. The former UCLA standout, who joined Brescia in 2023, has had a strong season, and it remains to be seen whether he will remain part of the Recco’s plans moving forward.
Goalkeeper Change: Gianmarco Nicosia to Replace Marco Del Lungo
Pro Recco will undergo a change in goal for the upcoming season. Gianmarco Nicosia, Italy’s long-serving number two goalkeeper, is set to join from RN Savona. Nicosia is expected to take over from Marco Del Lungo, who leaves the club after four successful years.
Del Lungo’s departure marks the end of an era, but Nicosia brings composure, international experience, and a fresh start between the posts. The 28-year-old is likely to relish the opportunity to take on a leading role in both domestic and Champions League matches.
Rising Star Andrea Patchaliev Likely to Sign
Andrea Patchaliev, one of Italy’s top young prospects, is also reportedly close to joining Recco from RN Savona. Born in 2004, Patchaliev has impressed with his versatility and technical skill, playing on both wings and contributing significantly in attack.
Bringing in Patchaliev aligns with Recco’s renewed focus on integrating Italian youth talent into the senior squad, ensuring long-term sustainability while maintaining a competitive edge.
Francesco Cassia Set to Join from Ortigia
Another incoming transfer is that of Francesco Cassia, who is expected to make the move from Ortigia. Cassia has been a standout performer for the Sicilian side and is seen as a reliable addition to Recco’s rotation at the 2-metre line.
Cassia’s move suggests Recco are not only focusing on big names, but also adding depth and flexibility to their lineup—a key consideration given the physical demands of competing on multiple fronts.
Rino Burić Linked with Move from Jug
Rino Buric is another name reportedly on Recco’s radar. The 27-year-old Croatian centre-forward, known for his gritty, dynamic style, could offer a different profile to Recco’s traditional options at centre. With Croatian coach Sandro Sukno at the helm—who has publicly praised Burić in the past—the move would make strategic sense.
Burić is expected to leave Jug Dubrovnik this summer after a standout year that included a world title and Olympic silver. Previously with Mornar and Jadran Split, he was named Croatia’s Water Polo Player of the Year in 2023.
Andrea Mladossich Rumoured to Join from Trieste
Andrea Mladossich, the 23-year-old left-hander from Pallanuoto Trieste, is being linked with a move to Pro Recco. A regular in Serie A1 and part of Italy’s extended national team setup, Mladossich would bring added depth and versatility to Recco’s left side. His potential signing reflects Recco’s ongoing interest in investing in promising domestic talent.
Pro Recco Rebuilds for a New Era
These moves reflect a wider strategy at Pro Recco: restructuring the squad to remain competitive in a changing water polo landscape. With stars like Granados finally arriving, experienced internationals like Nicosia stepping up, and rising talents like Patchaliev and Cassia joining, the club appears to be building a balanced and hungry new roster.
While further departures and signings are expected in the coming weeks, it’s already clear that Pro Recco are serious about reclaiming their place at the summit of European club water polo.
Leaving Pro Recco this season is Marco Del Lungo, Aaron Younger, and Ben Hallock.
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