OGC Nice forward Mario Balotelli’s agent Mino Raiola has claimed that his client is ready to make a sensational return back to the Premier League and talks are already ongoing with a number of clubs. The Italian’s last spell in England was with Liverpool where he endured a miserable time. The ex-Manchester City forward has gone on to reignite his career in Ligue 1 since then and is currently plying his trade in OGC Nice. However, he will become a free agent in the summer when his contract with the French club runs out.
Balotelli has featured in 29 matches for the Ligue 1 club this season, scoring 21 goals and providing one assist in all competitions. In a recent interview, his agent Mino Raiola revealed that the Italy international is ready to prove his worth to the world and was quoted to have said,
“Mario is ready to return, he has matured into one of the top 10 strikers in the world.
“In Italy, he’s number one. He’s worth €100million (£88m), but he’s on a free transfer and is, therefore, a bargain.
“I’m negotiating with many clubs in England and in Italy.
“I’ve spoken with Juventus, Roma, Napoli and Inter.”
Raiola is one of the most influential agents in world football and represents the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. In 2016, Raiola was the man behind the scenes who was responsible for Paul Pogba’s world record switch to Manchester United from Juventus – where he reportedly earned a whopping €25m.
With Balotelli set to make a surprise return to the Premier League, let’s take a look at three potential destinations for him to consider.
Chelsea
The West Londoners have struggled to score enough goals in the league this season which has seen them slump to 5th place in the Premier League table. Michy Batshuayi has been loaned out to Borussia Dortmund while the likes of Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud has often been overlooked by Antonio Conte in recent weeks. The addition of Mario Balotelli could provide them with a spark up top and if they can keep his temperament in check, then the Italian has the talent to regularly lead the lines for the Blues next season.
Manchester United
With Zlatan Ibrahimovic set to depart Old Trafford at the end of the season, the Red Devils could be on the lookout for a new striker who can compete with Romelu Lukaku for a place in Jose Mourinho’s starting eleven. They can definitely consider bringing Mario Balotelli in on a free transfer to bolster their attack. However, the Italian’s recent poor track-record in the Premier League will be a cause for concern. Mourinho has already managed the Italian forward previously at Inter Milan, so he would be well aware of his shortcomings which indicates that a potential switch could work out for all parties.
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs may lose their star striker Harry Kane in the summer with Real Madrid looking to pounce on his services. A move for Balotelli could be a risk worth taking for Mauricio Pochettino’s men as they look to bridge the gap between themselves and the Manchester clubs going into the new campaign.
