14 Sept 2016

Boss Confirms: We were 'very close' to signing 'incredible' €20m Liverpool misfit. 'Offer' made but rejected

Prior to signing for Nice, ex-Red Mario Balotelli was heavily linked with a move to Palermo, and the Serie A side's Director of Sport has now confirmed that a deal came close to being completed.

On August 28th (three days before the transfer deadline), Palermo Vice-President Guglielmo Micciche told reporters:

“We made an offer [for Balotelli], and now it’s up to Liverpool and the player. He was born in Palermo and we consider him Sicilian. He would be welcomed with open arms and adored by the fans. It would be a dream".

Italian newspaper Tutto Mercato further claimed that Balotelli had 'accepted the idea of ​​moving to Palermo', but three days later, 'Super' Mario signed for Nice.

When asked this week about the failed Balotelli deal, Daniele Faggiano told Feel Rouge:

"Balotelli was very close to signing for Palermo, then we lost his tracks".

So, why did the Palermo deal fail? I have a theory.

* At the time of Palermo's interest, Gazetta Dello Sport claimed that Palermo offered Balotelli a £16,000-a-week contract.

* According to French newspaper Nice-Matin, Balotelli's salary at Nice is £72k-a-week.

Elementary, my dear Watson!

If these figures are true, then some will brand Balotelli a mercenary, but that's (arguably) hypocritical thinking. Seriously, if you or I were faced with a similar work decision, there's no way we'd take a significantly lower salary for basically the same job.

Yes, salaries in football are ridiculously obscene, and undeserved, but if clubs are stupid enough to offer such massive salaries, then players can't really be blamed for taking them.

* Jul 2016: Described as an 'incredible talent' by Crotone president Raffaele Vrenna. Cost Liverpool €20m


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