Balotelli set for Serie A return as Genoa book medicals

Former Italy forward Mario Balotelli watches the celebrations after the UEFA Champions League final football match between Inter Milan and Manchester City at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium in Istanbul, on June 10, 2023. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP) (Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)

Former Italy international Mario Balotelli is set for a sensational return to Serie A with Genoa, who have reportedly booked in a medical for the 34-year-old at the beginning of next week. 

Balotelli set for sensational Serie A return

Mario Balotelli of Adana Demirspor reacts during the Turkish Super League match between Fenerbahce and Adana Demirspor at Ulker Stadium on April 3, 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

According to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio and Sky Sport Italia, Genoa have booked a medical for Balotelli, who is currently available as a free agent, for Monday. 

The Grifone have been exploring opportunities to bring in a new striker on the free agent market, and have finally landed on Balotelli after several weeks of rumoured conversations. 

According to Saturday’s reports, the former Inter, Man City, Liverpool and Milan striker will sign a short-term contract until the end of the 2024-25 season. He will reportedly earn a wage of around €400,000-€500,000 during his Genoa stay, accounting for performance-related add-ons. 

The 34-year-old has most recently played for Adana Demirspor in the Turkish Super Lig, where he returned a record of seven goals from 16 league appearances. His last appearance ended in a 39th minute red card while wearing the captain’s armband. 

He has recently revealed that he turned down offers from abroad over the summer as he was intent on a ‘dream’ return to Serie A.