LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Thursday, February 19, 2015: Liverpool's Mario Balotelli celebrates scoring the first goal against Besiktas JK from the penalty spot during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 1st Leg match at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Crotone president confirms approach to “relaunch” Mario Balotelli’s career

Mario Balotelli could be offered a route out of Liverpool this summer, with Serie A outfit Crotone confirming their interest.

The Calabrian side first underlined their intention to move for Balotelli in May, when the striker was still on loan with AC Milan.

But with Milan among those to rule themselves out of the running to sign Balotelli on a permanent deal, Crotone president Raffaele Vrenna has seemingly spotted an opportunity.

Speaking to Gazza Mercato this week, Vrenna revealed he had an approach to Balotelli’s representatives to discuss a possible move.

“I’ve got to admit that I have called his agent Mino Raiola to talk about Balotelli,” he said.

“Crotone has the ideal surroundings for a young talented player to grow and show himself off.

“We could be the right place to relaunch an incredible talent like Balotelli, who has unfortunately had a couple of seasons which were not particularly inspiring.”

Balotelli is left with few options at this stage in the transfer window, and while he has returned to pre-season training at Melwood, he is unlikely to feature in Jurgen Klopp‘s plans.

Klopp can already call upon Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi, Danny Ings, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane as options in attack, with Balotelli likely to be joined by Christian Benteke is leaving the club.

The 25-year-old could feature in the Reds’ early warmup fixtures, however, with Origi and Sturridge both still on holiday following their involvement in the European Championship.

The Reds take on Tranmere Rovers at Prenton Park on Friday night, with Ings likely to start up front.

While Ings has a bright future under Klopp at Liverpool, Balotelli would be wise to push for an exit this summer, and a move to newly promoted Crotone could boost his fortunes.

More from This Is Anfield

Fan Comments