Liverpool could be finally parting company with flop Mario Balotelli this summer after AC Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani confirmed the Serie A side were looking to bring him back to the San Siro on loan. Signed for £16M 12 months ago, the former Inter Milan, Manchester City and AC Milan striker has not lived up to his billing back in the Premier League, scoring just once in the division all last season.
As a result, manager Brendan Rodgers has made it clear that the Italian international will play no part in the Liverpool side this campaign, and has long been planning the striker’s exit from the club. Interest has been scarce all summer due to the poor form of Balotelli, as well as his lofty wage demands. However, Milan, of whom the 25-year-old scored 26 goals in 43 games for in his first stint, are keen to bring him back.
Galliani revealed the two clubs are in talks over a season-long loan deal that would see AC Milan splitting his wages 50/50. The Italian side are also keen to put on a buying option should he impress over the course of the campaign, but last’s season’s miserable performances suggest they could well part company in the summer. ‘There are negotiations with Liverpool for a loan, but we have not reached an agreement on wages,” said the Milan CEO.
“We want a loan with a portion of the wages paid by us and another portion by Liverpool. We want Balo because we are convinced this lad realises that this is absolutely his last chance. I hope he understands that.”
Currently in Italy to discuss terms with AC Milan, Mario Balotelli has been forced to train on his own this season, and hasn’t even been on the Liverpool bench. Rodgers made his intentions clear for 2015/16 by signing strikers Danny Ings and Christian Benteke. Balotelli was never in his mindset this season, and the sooner the Italian international leaves, the better.
It’s unlikely Liverpool would need to sign a replacement for the 25-year-old should he indeed leave this summer, with the Reds having a wide range of available options in attack – Christian Benteke, Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi, Danny Ings. Rodgers will be delighted when he can finally be rid of Balotelli from the side this season, as his negative influence on the dressing room certainly can’t have helped matters last season. Balotelli’s best form came for AC Milan, so could a return to the San Siro see him shine again?
