Mario Balotelli is bracing himself for further interest from Italy this week, with newly promoted Serie A side Bologna ready to offer the struggling striker an opportunity to rekindle his dwindling career on home soil.
According to reports in The Guardian, Bologna have joined Sampdoria in the race for the 24-year-old’s signature, after the former Inter Milan, Man City and AC Milan star turned down third division Lupa Castelli (via ESPN).
Balotelli, who is yet to feature during our pre-season campaign, has arguably been reduced to serving as our fifth choice striker following the summer arrivals of Christian Benteke, Danny Ings and Divock Origi.
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So, despite previously stating that he wants to stay and fight for his place (via the Liverpool Echo), the out of favour centre-forward could have little choice but to admit defeat and move on again next month.
Bologna’s director of sport, Pantaleo Corvino, has hinted at a loan deal. In quotes taken by The Guardian, he said: “I would take him, he would be highly motivated here.
“Of course, Bologna have to respect certain financial parameters, but for the right price I would even look at the possibility of buying him outright.”
Balotelli’s wages could prove a huge ask for a newly promoted team and the Italian would likely have to accept a reduced fee if he wished to make the move. Potentially, if it is a loan move, we could continue to pay a percentage of his wages in order to simply get him off our books. We’ll have to wait and see.