Mario Balotelli has linked with a move back to Premier League in recent times and West Ham United are the reported suitors. The Italian currently plays for Ligue 1 side, OGC Nice and has successfully resurrected his career with 22 goals in 31 total appearances this season.
Balotelli even finished the previous season with 15 goals from 23 games, a tally no player in the Hammers squad has pulled off for over 12 years in top-flight European football. The French outfit has provided the 27-year-old with an opportunity to save his dying career.
After striking out with Liverpool, AC Milan and Manchester City, it looked like the forwards’ behavioural issues were getting the best of him and was ruining his career. Balotelli is in no way an uplifting professional who will play by all the rules but his talents are undoubtedly one of the best in the world.
He was a highly rated prospect to come out of the Inter Milan ranks and was greatly admired by current Manchester United boss, Jose Mourinho. The striker showcased his great skill and composure under Roberto Mancini and helped City win their first league title in the 2011/12 season since 1968.
He even scored 3 crucial goals for his country in the 2012 Euro Cup and was named as one of the players in the Euro Team of the Tournament. However, it looked like his fall from grace and steep much like that of Brazilian superstar, Ronaldinho.
Balotelli kept hitting the downward trajectory with every side he went to and managed to show glimpses of his class on rare occasions. His attitude and professional attire was hard to manage for any of the teams and was well on his way towards one of those “tragic waste of talent” stories.
However, judging by his recent performances and the current state West Ham are in, this transfer move might make a lot of sense for the future. The Hammers are knee-deep in a relegation battle and are stressed with the absence of a leading number nine in the squad.
Andy Carol’s fitness concerns seem to be taking a toll in the team’s goal-scoring problems and David Moyes is yet to figure out a winning formula.
While Championship side, Wolves and Turkish outfit, Galatasaray are showing similar interests in Balotelli it would be preferable for the West Ham faithful to tie down an agreement as soon as possible.
While a drop to the Championship could be prevented this season it would be greatly disappointing for the fans at the London Stadium to witness a similar result in 2018/19.
