According to Mario Balotelli’s agent, Mino Raiola, the Italian could return to Liverpool following his loan stint with AC Milan.
Last year was a difficult season for Mario Balotelli, as he struggled to adjust to life at Liverpool under Brendan Rodgers. The 25-year-old was brought to Anfield in a big money move that cost the Reds £16 million, but Balotelli featured in just 16 matches, scoring a single goal.
As a result of his woeful performances in the Premier League, the club decided to send him back where they got him, Milan, on a loan deal. However, he has only managed to muster four appearances, due to injury. He has done well to avoid controversy on his return to the Rossoneri, but has yet to make a real impact on the pitch because of his injury.
On Saturday, his agent Mino Raiola, told Sky Sports News that the striker could end up back at Liverpool, especially because the aforementioned Rodgers was fired and replaced by German tactician, Jurgen Klopp.
"“Theoretically and by law, yes. He’s owned by Liverpool so at the end of the season he should go back to Liverpool.“Will I speak with Jurgen Klopp? For sure. That is part of my job, to speak to all the managers. I know Klopp from Henrikh Mkhitaryan at Dortmund.“If we talk about the quality and the talent Mario has, that is without question. Then you also need a manager that believes in you and gives you the chance to prove yourself. We will talk to him when it is time to talk to him.“Whether Klopp has a plan for him or not – I don’t know, I haven’t spoken to him about this or to Liverpool.“I think it is too soon. Obviously if Mario does what he has to do, there is maybe another view on him also.“He had to go away because with Brendan [Rodgers] there was no possibility to develop any more. There was a preconception towards Mario and I think from his private part of life he has proven them wrong.“But we have to be realistic. He didn’t perform well in 2015 and 2016 needs to be his year. That is his challenge.”"
Despite being just 25, “Super Mario” is already with his fifth club and in his second stint with Milan. It remains to be seen if he will be plying his trade with another new team next year, with his future still very much up in the air.
Liverpool were defeated 2-0 on Saturday morning at the hands of West Ham United, and will be back in action against Stoke City on Tuesday in Capital One Cup competition. With just 22 goals scored so far this season, they could certainly use help in front of goal, but the club are unsure whether Balotelli is the answer.