Mario Balotelli has played his last match for Liverpool: China or Turkey beckons22:30, 19 FEB 2016
BY JAMES PEARCE
Mario Balotelli doesn't feature in Jurgen Klopp's future plans
Mario Balotelli’s Liverpool career is over. The Italian striker, who is currently on a season-long loan at AC Milan, doesn’t feature in Jurgen Klopp’s plans for the future. As a result Liverpool are determined to off-load the controversial frontman on a permanent basis before pre-season training starts this summer. A lucrative move to the Chinese Super League is a serious possibility for Balotelli with clubs in the Far East having already enquired about securing a deal for the 25-year-old. There has also been interest from Turkey with Liverpool hopeful of recouping most of the £16million they paid Milan for his signature in August 2014. Balotelli, who underwent groin surgery back in November, has endured another underwhelming campaign in Italy – netting just twice in 11 appearances.
The former Manchester City striker incurred the wrath of boss Sinisa Mihajlovic after a narrow win over Genoa last weekend when the Serbian questioned Balotelli’s work rate.
The player’s agent Mino Raiola has denied reports about a rift but there’s little prospect of Milan wanting to keep him once his loan has expired in May.
Anfield officials have remained in regular contact with Raiola, who is free to hold talks with potential suitors over Balotelli’s next destination.
Liverpool, who are still paying a significant chunk of his £80,000 per week salary, are keen to get him off the wage bill. Balotelli scored just four goals in 28 appearances for the Reds last season. He struggled to hold down a place and was widely criticised for his lack of application. Brendan Rodgers left him out of the pre-season tour of the Far East and Australia and forced him to train away from the first-team squad before sending him out on loan.
Buoyed by the subsequent appointment of Klopp, Balotelli had spoken about the possibility of returning to Anfield this summer and proving himself to the German.
However, those hopes lie in tatters with Klopp not interested in taking on a striker who is ill suited to the kind of high intensity football the Reds boss is looking to install.
Klopp isn’t short of attacking options with Daniel Sturridge, Christian Benteke, Divock Origi and Roberto Firmino, as well as Danny Ings, who will be fit for next season following a cruciate ligament injury.
Balotelli could become the latest in a growing line of high-profile stars to be lured to China by the riches on offer.
Liverpool transfer target Alex Teixeira recently joined Jiangsu Suning for £38million, while the likes of Jackson Martinez, Ramires and Ezequiel Lavezzi have also headed to the Far East.
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/mario-balotelli-played-last-match-10916890
