Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has reportedly turned down a move to Al-Ahli, after the Dubai based club had approached the Reds over a possible deal for the seemingly unwanted Italian striker.
According to reports in Sky Sports Italia, who are cited by the Daily Mirror, Al-Ahli’s coach – Cosmin Olariou – also contacted Balotelli’s agent to ask him about the possibility of making the move, but was ultimately left disappointed.
“We thought about Balotelli and we even had a discussion with his agent Mino Raiola,” Olaroiu told reporters. “But Balotelli turned down our proposal because he wants to play for another.”
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Whether ‘another’ is Liverpool remains to be seen. The 24-year-old faces a lengthy battle to force his way back into Brendan Rodgers’ plans, having been left out of our entire pre-season campaign and being told to train away from the rest of the squad, along with Fabio Borini and Jose Enrique (via The Guardian).
The former Inter Milan, Manchester City and AC Milan star managed just four goals in all competitions last season, while just one of those came in the Premier League. The summer arrivals of Christian Benteke and Danny Ings have plunged both he and Borini further down the pecking order, while fellow striker Divock Origi has also returned from his loan spell at Lille.
Balotelli has already turned down a speculative offer from third division Italian side Lupa Castelli, as The Telegraph report, and it is now looking increasingly likely that the Italian will be staying put until at least the January window.