Genoa are preparing to welcome Mario Balotelli to their ranks after a prolonged negotiation period. The 34-year-old Italian striker has finally reached an agreement with the Rossoblu club to join on a free transfer, having been without a team for some time and rejecting several offers from abroad.
Calciomercato confirm that Balotelli is scheduled to arrive in Genoa on Monday to undergo the standard medical examinations and sign his contract. Barring any surprises, the deal is expected to be for one year, or more precisely, eight months until June 30, 2024. The salary is reported to be around 250,000 euros, with additional bonuses linked to goals scored and appearances made.
However, there’s an interesting twist to this signing. According to Tuttosport, Genoa have insisted on including a special clause in Balotelli’s contract as a protective measure. This clause, which can be activated at the end of December, would allow the club to release Balotelli and terminate the contract if necessary. This provision serves as a safeguard for the club in case the striker fails to reach the expected fitness levels or doesn’t provide the anticipated support to manager Alberto Gilardino, who has been one of Balotelli’s strongest advocates within the club.
This cautious approach by Genoa highlights both the potential they see in Balotelli and the risks associated with signing a player who has been out of competitive action. It also underscores the club’s commitment to ensuring that their investment aligns with their sporting goals for the season.
