Balotelli reaches agreement with new club - but there's a problem

Tom Weber

Updated: 15 Oct 2024 13:44 BST
3 min read

Mario Balotelli has agreed to join Genoa, but the deal has been put on ice until next week due to uncertainty surrounding head coach Alberto Gilardino, according to Italian media.

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The eccentric former Italy striker appears to have found his new club. Balotelli is a free agent after leaving Adana Demirspor for a second time this summer and he is determined to return to Serie A.

Italy's oldest club, Genoa, are willing to take a chance on the now-34-year-old. Last week, Fabrizio Romano confirmed reports that Gilardino had contacted Balotelli to enquire about his availability and willingness to join his side.

Genoa, in the midst of ownership trouble after the collapse of 777 Partners, need every bit of help they can get as they are struggling to remain competitive in Serie A following a summer in which they lost several key players.

Balotelli says yes to Genoa - but there's a problem

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Genoa have reached a general agreement with Balotelli - and also with fellow free agent Gaston Pereiro. However, there is still a major issue.

The Italian outlet insists that the deal to sign the former Man City and Liverpool striker is not yet done. The signing of Balotelli has been specifically requested by Gilardino but, if reports are to be believed, he may not survive beyond the weekend.

If Genoa lose to Bologna, a potential sacking of Gilardino could become a concrete possibility, with Jorge Sampaoli one of the names considered as a replacement.

If Gilardino stays, it seems almost guaranteed that Balotelli will join Genoa, but if he loses his job, his successor would have to sign off on the deal, potentially putting it in jeopardy.

The signing of Balotelli would be relatively affordable for Genoa. The striker has reportedly agreed to a deal that will 'only' see him earn between €200,000 and €300,000 until June, a far cry from the €4 million per year he made at City and the €6m at Liverpool.

The 34-year-old is convinced that he can still 'fu**ing smash Serie A,' but it remains to be seen if Gilardino can survive long enough to sign his former Italy teammate.

Read more about: Serie A, Genoa, Mario Balotelli