The Argentine striker spent part of last season on loan at AC Milan, but after the prospect of a permanent move to the Rossoneri was not forthcoming he has agreed to spend the next year in Genoa.
Sampdoria said in a club statement: "An agreement between Sampdoria and Catania has been reached. The deal will be formalised once the player passes a medical. Maxi Lopez will move from Catania to Sampdoria on a temporary basis."
Lopez, 28, scored 11 Serie A goals in just 17 appearances in his first year in Italy, the 2009/10 campaign, but has not been able to replicate that form since.
