Here we go! Romano confirms 34-year-old Balotelli will join Genoa
Romano:
Mario Balotelli to Genoa, here we go! Deal in place to sign Italian striker on contract valid until June 2025.
Balotelli has been waiting for 20 days as he only wanted Genoa, he spoke several times to Alberto Gilardino…
…and now joins as free agent on reduced salary.
The 34-year-old left Adana Demirspor in June, with the Italian heading towards the end of a career that has seen him play for 11 clubs. He scored seven goals in 16 games in the Turkish Super Lig last season.
But his campaign was hindered by a knee injury and the club decided not to renew his terms. That left him a free agent and the striker has so far been unable to find a new team.
Balotelli previously helped to fire Manchester City to the Premier League title, as well as featuring for Liverpool, AC Milan and Inter Milan. The latter stages of his career have seen him playing in the footballing wilderness though with Demirspor in Turkey and Sion in Switzerland.
Reports now claim that he is in line for a move to Serie A side Genoa. Club chiefs are said to have been impressed by Balotelli's private training having kept a close eye on him since his departure from Turkey.
Balotelli is now awaiting the 'final green light' to join Genoa and is understood to be 'very excited' about returning to his homeland. Genoa are currently struggling in Serie A, having won just one league game all season.
They sit in the final relegation place, though are only one point adrift of safety. Goals have been a big issue, with the club likely hoping that Balotelli can help them find the back of the net more frequently.
Balotelli has previously enjoyed great success in Italy, having scored 28 goals and notched 15 assists during three years at Inter when he first broke through. His last stint in Serie A came with Brescia in the 2019/2020 campaign, when he scored five goals in 19 games.
The following year he dropped down to Serie B, helping Monza to reach the promotion play-offs. Balotelli also scored 14 goals in 36 caps with Italy, shining most brightly during Euro 2012, and has admitted he is targeting a return to the national team.
Last year he stated: "I want to recover and play for the national team. I always hope for the call. I met [Luciano] Spalletti and I've met him several times. We made some jokes when we met in a friendly with Napoli, but I have no relationship."
The potential move comes after Balotelli was offered the chance to join Brazilian side Corinthians in July. At the time, academy director Claudinei Alves stated: "Corinthians are prepared to offer him a two-year contract.
"The [Corinthians] president is the one who is leading talks. He wants three million euros per year and a two-year contract. Balotelli's intention is to return to play for the Italian national team."