Michael Mongie analyses Mario Balotelli and what options the Italian has, if any, ahead of his supposed return to Liverpool.
When it emerged that Brendan Rodgers was looking at Mario Balotelli as a replacement for Luis Suarez outrage swept through the Anfield faithful. Liverpool had just enjoyed their most successful Premier League campaign ever, coming within 3 points of winning the title for the first time. With Suarez gone, a suitable replacement was needed and Balotelli was not the man.
It’s fair to say that Balotelli began his Liverpool career with it all to do. You’d be hard pressed to find a supporter who genuinely believed he was able to shirk his ego and embrace the talent he has. There are some who doubt that he has the ability that he is hyped up to have.
Sky Sports are reporting that AC Milan will not be renewing the Italian’s contract with his second spell at the Italian club proving unsuccessful. According to Whoscored.com he has only found the net once in 20 league appearances. A goal return like this is indicative of a player playing without confidence.
If Balotelli returns to Liverpool for pre-season training, as being reported by Sky Sports, then Liverpool will have 5 senior strikers not including Roberto Firmino. He would find himself at the bottom of the pecking order and a player with an ego like Balotelli’s is not suited to warming the bench.
While I think even Klopp would struggle to work his magic on Balotelli there is hope for him. The Mirror are reporting that Turkish side Galatasaray are considering a move for Liverpool and AC Milan’s out of favour Italian maverick. A permanent move would benefit Liverpool as it would free up £40,000-a-week as far as the wage bill is concerned – AC Milan cover half of Balotelli’s wage.
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At the end of the day the decision will be made by Jürgen Klopp. If he believes he can work with a player like Balotelli then he’ll have my full support. Although, something tells me Klopp is less of a gambling man than Brendan Rodgers.
It is highly unlikely that Balotelli will lead the line next season as it seems he is done with Liverpool:
“In terms of my future I want to stay with Milan because I was not happy at Liverpool and don’t want to go back,”Balotelli said.