Mario Balotelli’s stint at Genoa has been off to a rocky start, with the 34-year-old striker accumulating just 56 minutes of playing time across six substitute appearances since joining the club in late October. The Italian forward’s future with the Grifone is now uncertain as the year draws to a close, with a crucial decision looming on the horizon.
Calciomercato report how Balotelli’s arrival at Genoa coincided with a series of upheavals at the club, including the dismissal of Alberto Gilardino, who had been instrumental in bringing him on board. The subsequent appointment of Patrick Vieira as manager initially raised concerns about potential friction between the two, stemming from their time together at Nice. However, these worries appear to have been unfounded.
Adding to the complexity of the situation is a recently revealed clause in Balotelli’s contract that allows for a parting of ways if conditions for continuing until the end of the season are not met. This clause has sparked speculation about the striker’s future at the club.
Despite the limited playing time, there are signs of optimism. Balotelli’s agent, Enzo Raiola, has expressed confidence in his client’s progress, acknowledging the need for the player to regain match fitness after months of inactivity. Manager Vieira has also praised Balotelli’s training efforts and recent impact as a substitute.
Looking ahead, Balotelli could potentially secure a role as the primary backup to Andrea Pinamonti in Genoa’s single-striker system. There’s anticipation that his playing time could increase significantly, possibly even leading to starts when Pinamonti is unavailable.
However, a new twist has emerged in the form of reported interest from Mexican club Cruz Azul. The team is rumored to be offering Balotelli a contract worth €2 million per year, a substantial increase from his current earnings at Genoa.
