Shock INEOS transfer blow as Filippo Ganna could leave team - Lidl-Trek in talks to sign Italian leader from 2027 in surprise move
Cycling
Filippo Ganna could be set for a shock exit from Netcompany INEOS this winter as the italian is reported to be close to signing for Lidl-Trek. In a blow for the British team, he could be set to leave as soon as 2027, a year earlier than his current deal, which expires at the end of 2027.
Second at the time trial World Championships last weekend, the 30-year-old has been at the team for eight seasons as he developed into a classics specialist and vital Grand Tour rider at INEOS - taking ten Grand Tour stage wins and wins at races such as Tirreno Adriatico and Dwars door Vlaanderan.
Now, Gazzetta dello Sport journalist Ciro Scognamiglio reports that Ganna could be set to leave INEOS this winter and join Lidl-Trek, one year earlier than his current contract ends.
The potential move underlines Lidl-Trek ambitious transfer market activity in recent seasons, following Juan Ayuso's buyout arrival last winter and Andy Schleck's arrival as team boss, the squad are aiming to become the best team in the world.
They have signalled their intent in the transfer window, sealing several high-profile arrivals as Felix Gall, Jordi Meeus, Igor Arrieta, Greor Muhlberger and Jordan Jegat front their big arrivals so far.
Filippo Ganna at the 2026 Tour de France
INEOS exits in transfer window
It's so far been a transfer period of exits for INEOS, who lose Bob Jungels and Ben Swift to retirement while AJ August, Artem Schmidt, Ben Turner and Victor Langelotti are all leaving the squad. Their only confirmed 2027 arrival is Benjami nNoval - who arrives as junior time trial and road race World champion.
At the time trial World Championships last month, Remco Evenepoel won with almost a minute over Ganna. The Italian argued he was racing at his best level and defended his stance after Remco Evenepoel doubted it.
"Numerically we did everything well; I have nothing to complain about," Ganna said following the race. The 39-kilometer-long flat course saw Evenepoel take the win, even though the technical sections would've expectedly favoured the Italian.
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Ganna on Worlds time trial
“I have great respect for Remco as a person and an athlete; I don’t question anything. He rode incredibly fast, and I know I rode fast too. If he wants, we can sit down together, and I’ll show him the time trial data; I have no problem showing it to him."
He added: "The last section was the most technical, and the slightly uphill stretch to the finish was challenging, but I don't think I lost because of that.
"We're always close to knocking on the door, I hope that one day we'll open it again and be able to win that rainbow jersey."
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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