Reports have suggested that Everton could be Mario Balotelli’s destination when he returns to England – shortly after leaving Merseyside rivals Liverpool.
Mario Balotelli flopped badly at Liverpool. During two years at Anfield, he managed 28 games and just four goals, having cost the Reds £16 million before being allowed to leave for Ligue 1 side Nice on a free transfer.
But he has been so impressive in France that Italian publication Calciomercato has linked Merseyside rivals Everton with a stunning switch for one of Liverpool’s biggest disappointments of the Premier League era.
Balotelli has fired a remarkable 21 goals in 29 games in all competitions this season but Nice seem to lack the finances to tie the former Milan and Inter enigma down to a new contract. So Everton, who had shown interest last summer, could offer him a route back to England when his deal runs out.
And, just to add to the speculation, Balotelli’s outspoken agent Mino Raiola has confirmed that clubs in the Premier League have been in touch – and it would be little surprise if an Everton side still lacking a clinical edge are among them.
“Mario is ready to return,” Raiola said in quotes reported by ESPN.
“He’s matured and he’s one of the top ten forwards in the world, and he’s the No. 1 in Italy. He’s worth €100 million (£88m), but he’s available on a free, so he’s a bargain.
“I’m already negotiating with many clubs in England.”
Balotelli certainly looks a new man in the red and white of Nice. He is not only working harder on the pitch and reaping the rewards but appears to have matured off it too. These days, you will find Balotelli on the back pages, not the front.
But even with this 21-goal striker available for free, Everton still have a tough decision to make given that the controversial Italian performed so badly just across Stanley Park.
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