In Early August, Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers lavished praise on £25m-rated AC Milan star Mario Balotelli, sparking a wave of speculation that the Reds could make a transfer bid for the controversial striker. Rodgers has quickly moved to deny any interest in the player, reports in Italy today suggest that LFC are actively pursuing a deal.
Two hours ago, Italian journalist Nicolò Schira (who hosts Italian football show 'SportItalia' claimed:
* Liverpool are in negotiations to sign Balotelli.
* The club has offered the Italian striker a deal worth €6m a year.
Prior to Liverpool's pre-season friendly with AC Milan, Rodgers described Balotelli as a 'big talent', and confirmed that Liverpool were, at one point, considering a move for the Italian. He noted:
"We [Liverpool] had a real close eye on him there [at Man City].
"He's got all the qualities. He's 6ft 3ins, he's quick, his touch is terrific; he can score goals. If his focus [and] concentration is right and he leads the lifestyle of a top player then he can play for any team in the world"
When asked to clarify his comments, Rodgers told reporters:
“He [Balotelli] is a wonderful player, but he is an AC Milan player. I just gave my opinion of him, but doesn’t mean I will be signing him.”
It wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if there's truth to this particular rumour. Rodgers basically said it all with his initial comments, when he claimed Balotelli can play for 'any team in the world', and irrespective of his antics, the Italian has amazing potential, and if harnessed properly, he'll develop into an even better player.
Rodgers seems to pride himself on moulding young minds, and he definitely has the hubris to take on the Balotelli challenge.
If the striker signs, though, a whole host of ex-LFC legends will probably rue the decision. Amongst former players, Balotelli is one of the most despised footballers on the planet.
* In 2011, Graeme Souness dismissed Balotelli as a 'liability'.
* Last season, Alan Hansen maligned Balotelli as a 'damaging distraction', and warned that 'you don’t need characters like him who seek out confrontation with referees and opponents'
* In 2012, Dietmar Hamann insisted that he 'wouldn't want Balotelli in my team'.
* Soon after, Mark Lawrenson labelled the Italian an 'absolute disgrace' and 'not worth the aggravation'.
* In 2013, Tommy Smith called Balotelli a 'nutcase' who would 'not have lasted five minutes' under Bill Shankly.
Yes, Balotelli is a risk, but compared to Luis Suarez, he's an angel. If Liverpool can pull off the deal for a reasonable fee (or even a loan deal), it could be an advantageous deal for the club.
Just imagine if Rodgers can turn Balotelli around; Liverpool could have a hell of a player on its hands.
** As of today. Poll is still ongoing so figures may change.
Author: Jaimie K
Two hours ago, Italian journalist Nicolò Schira (who hosts Italian football show 'SportItalia' claimed:
* Liverpool are in negotiations to sign Balotelli.
* The club has offered the Italian striker a deal worth €6m a year.
#Liverpool offer to Mario #Balotelli a contract until 2018 by 6 mln € a season. #Milan wants 25 mln € from #LFC
— Nicolò Schira (@NicoSchira) August 20, 2014Prior to Liverpool's pre-season friendly with AC Milan, Rodgers described Balotelli as a 'big talent', and confirmed that Liverpool were, at one point, considering a move for the Italian. He noted:
"We [Liverpool] had a real close eye on him there [at Man City].
"He's got all the qualities. He's 6ft 3ins, he's quick, his touch is terrific; he can score goals. If his focus [and] concentration is right and he leads the lifestyle of a top player then he can play for any team in the world"
When asked to clarify his comments, Rodgers told reporters:
“He [Balotelli] is a wonderful player, but he is an AC Milan player. I just gave my opinion of him, but doesn’t mean I will be signing him.”
It wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if there's truth to this particular rumour. Rodgers basically said it all with his initial comments, when he claimed Balotelli can play for 'any team in the world', and irrespective of his antics, the Italian has amazing potential, and if harnessed properly, he'll develop into an even better player.
Rodgers seems to pride himself on moulding young minds, and he definitely has the hubris to take on the Balotelli challenge.
If the striker signs, though, a whole host of ex-LFC legends will probably rue the decision. Amongst former players, Balotelli is one of the most despised footballers on the planet.
* In 2011, Graeme Souness dismissed Balotelli as a 'liability'.
* Last season, Alan Hansen maligned Balotelli as a 'damaging distraction', and warned that 'you don’t need characters like him who seek out confrontation with referees and opponents'
* In 2012, Dietmar Hamann insisted that he 'wouldn't want Balotelli in my team'.
* Soon after, Mark Lawrenson labelled the Italian an 'absolute disgrace' and 'not worth the aggravation'.
* In 2013, Tommy Smith called Balotelli a 'nutcase' who would 'not have lasted five minutes' under Bill Shankly.
Yes, Balotelli is a risk, but compared to Luis Suarez, he's an angel. If Liverpool can pull off the deal for a reasonable fee (or even a loan deal), it could be an advantageous deal for the club.
Just imagine if Rodgers can turn Balotelli around; Liverpool could have a hell of a player on its hands.
** As of today. Poll is still ongoing so figures may change.
Author: Jaimie K
I've hear rumours of a loan-to-buy deal, which I definitely think would be the way to go, not only if we were to make a move for Balotelli, but for any striker at all
ReplyDeleteHe's a better option compared to Eto'o, but for the love of LFC, no not both of them.
ReplyDeleteI say sign him up!
ReplyDelete:-)
ReplyDeleteBalotelli for 6 million instead of 7 for Eto'o, please sign him! Still pipe dreaming about Cavani though!
ReplyDeleteBarcelona have been banned from signing any players until 2016. I think that means they are going to have to hand Suarez back.....
ReplyDeleteWorth the risk - if BR can work with him, he can be a top drawer CF and excellent option up front. Sign him. Romero and Song will complete our squad and even Song can play at the back so we can sell Agger for £8-10M.
ReplyDeletego for him . yes its a good deal
ReplyDeleteI would take him too. His decision making has always frustrated me, but Rodgers could be the man to get the best out of him. 25mil is also not a great deal of money considering he has played in the prem, has an abundance of talent and is still very young.
ReplyDeleteHis off field antics for me were never that bad, more amusing than anything really. It's the crazy things he sometimes does on the pitch that need to be curtailed, then he could be exceptional.
From BBC "Barca were given the suspension, which starts next January and spans
ReplyDeleteuntil the end of next summer's transfer window, after being found to
have breached rules on signing international players under the age of
18."
He is unplayable when his heads right. He isn't a trouble maker by all accounts just very child like and not to smart.............. I still laugh when i see him trying to put that bib on.
ReplyDeleteCould be a great signing if it is true....................Right in time for the City game.
Absolutely! And Lucas and Borini and Assaidi and what the heck Johnson too. A darn fine transfer window if all that comes off ; )))
ReplyDeleteSeen a great comment on this.
ReplyDeleteBarca banned from signing any new players.
Barca ban is lifted.
Barca sign Luis Suarez.
Barca ban is re-instated
WTF?
Balotelli is undoubted talented and is a match winner. We need another striker and as Cavani and Falcao dont seem like they are going to sign Balotelli in pure footballing terms would be a good choice.
ReplyDeleteIf he does sign lets hope he has now matured a bit and will get on with his football.
Yeah we will have to pay the money back i reckon 100 pounds a week sounds right.
ReplyDeleteFIFA: "Have you bought everyone you want yet?"
ReplyDeleteBarca: "No."
FIFA: "Ok..."
Barca: "Only joking! We're done!"
FIFA: "Oh you! Ban starts...now"
Why do you think he needs to mature?, maybe he's just a nutcase? Having said that I'd take him if we haven't got anybody else near to his ability.
ReplyDeleteNANANANANANANANANANANA
ReplyDeleteRODGERS SIGN HIM UP, SIGN UP
ROOOODGERS SIGN HIM UUUP
Well no getting Song now damn.
ReplyDeleteBut seriously, Sturridge and Balotelli would become best pals forever.
ReplyDeleteDue to the risk of bringing in a Falcao or Cavani at a massive cost i think as a player a loan with an option to buy is the best we can hope for.
ReplyDeleteThinking is if he plays up its back home may help keep him on the straight and narrow a punt worth taking me thinks also the boy can really play.
I think players can leave but just not go there.
ReplyDeleteOK cool.
ReplyDeleteI'm completely split on this one. He is talented and scores goals but I also feel he can be quite lazy in games, not wanting to close players down especially if played outside of a central striking role.
ReplyDeleteHowever, if he does sign, his gorgeous wife to be will be at Anfield and that can only be a good thing.
Plus they are taking it to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. So they have until the end of this window. Then the court case will be heard at the start of January, at which point the ban will be "temporarily" lifted until its conclusion at the end January. The ban will be re-instated.
ReplyDeleteAn appeal will be lodged, to be heard at the start of July and the wheels get greased again and the machine keeps spinning.
Please be true
ReplyDeleteI should have thought that out anything to do with FIFA is either corrupt or just useless.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, how many pimps do we need? We already have Sturridge and his apprentice Raheem...
ReplyDeleteBFFs?
ReplyDeleteGeez Nick Raheems not a pimp more like a regular customer.
ReplyDeleteGet him signed! I think BR can turn him around. Also me thinks he would settle in very well and become good friends with Sterling Sturridge and Ibe. Loan to buy would be a win win imo. Guaranteed goals for a season. AC Milan get his wages of their hands due to their dier financial situation and if he does not give a shit then we can send him back. Also i can see him linking up superbly with Sturridge on and off the pitch.
ReplyDeleteSuper Mario is a lovable fella... I would take him all day long instead of the disgusting Eto'o...
ReplyDeleteIf BR wants to take up the challenge of sorting out his head, making sure all the pieces are in their proper place, then so be it...
As long as he does not get himself red-carded, it's good...
As a football player he's probably a better option than Bony, but I wonder what Rodgers would need to do to be comfortable with his attitude and personality. You can't ignore that stuff and Rodgers puts such a heavy emphasis on getting the right kinds of players. On the other hand if Rodgers has done his homework and is happy that Balotelli would be good for the team then I'd be inclined to trust his judgement. Rodgers hasn't always gotten his signings to produce the goods but when it comes to that side of things no one can argue that he's always been successful in getting team players.
ReplyDeleteHilarious that!!..............LOL.
ReplyDeleteBe funny to watch him at Anfield, I reckon he would love Liverpool................we like characters!!!
ReplyDeletei think the Lavezzi option is the best for the reds , he is a Liverpool type player and value for money at17 mil
ReplyDeleteAt this stage, we badly need another striker and who are we kidding, we will not be signing falcao/cavani. As the transfer window nears its end, most clubs wont sell their big names because they might not be able to get adequate replacement... Just as we see our despised rivals trying desperately and they are ending up with panic buys at inflated prices...
ReplyDeleteHopefully, rojo will gift us a penalty and will be red-carded against us, which his discipline record shows is highly probably...
He doesn't score enough and striker isn't his best position. Also isn't as good anymore as he was in Napoli. Not what we need.
ReplyDeleteYeah, i think he will fit in well... We also have sakho who may be his long lost twin brother for all we know...
ReplyDeleteThe sakhotelli brothers...
Neither of them. Why are we even bothering with these guys. So there's Eto'o looking for a final payday, Balotelli who's again has made himself impossible at his third club in five years and Falcao who sees coming to us as a favour to us but one he's only willing to do if Real can't buy him. People can say about Suarez whatever they want but he signed for us because he wanted to play for us and he never let us down on the pitch. Balotelli, Eto'o and Falcao think of no one but themselves so f them. We need to sign players who consider it a privilege to play for Liverpool FC and nothing less will do.
ReplyDeleteOnly positive thing about this signing would be that i will get to see Balotelli's gf Fanny. She has wonderful things
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't even consider this as a permanent transfer. Loan first til we see how he gets on. I was massively against this the first time the rumours broke and whils I'm still not particularly enamoured with the prospect, I'd rather take him on loan with option to buy than sign Bony or spend a ludicrous amount of money on Falcao or Cavani, especially the former. The prices being quoted for taking Falcao on loan are just insane
ReplyDeleteYes please- BR make this happen.
ReplyDeleteBR has excellent man management as opposed to Mancini.
If we can pull this off then I would be over the moon. It is a risk but I think BR can mold him into a world class team.
Actually at the time Suarez signed for us, spurs were in for him too and he indicated his preference to live in London. They ultimately never matched our offer and he came to us. Suarez never wanted to play for us, he always saw us as a stepping stone and he tried to jump ship at every possible opportunity.
ReplyDeleteI agree he never let us down in terms of attitude and effort on the pitch but he did let us down on multiple occasions with his behaviour both on and off the pitch.
I loved Suarez as much as the next guy but I'm not going to buy into this "St Luis never would have done that" just because he's gone. Suarez had zero loyalty towards us and was in fact a perpetual nightmare
i think he is more of a risk than suarez on the pitch. if he gets frustrated suarez pouts and dives sometimes. but balo could get more worked up and put in a rash and potentially red card-able challenge. seen him do it on some occasions for city. which is why i think he is more of a risk than suarez.
ReplyDeleteWhat about Mourinho, Allegri, Seedorf and now Inzaghi? None of them have been able to work with Balotelli either
ReplyDeleteHow many massive bans has Balotelli had? Think that should be taken into account when considering who the biggest risk is
ReplyDeleteMourinho has had a falling out with many guys so that is not a big deal. Do not know about the others but BR has tamed many people like Suarez. Players like Sturridge, Sterling and Coutinho owe their current success to BR so I believe he could make it work out.
ReplyDeleteagreed that he has not had any big bans. but in the heat of the moment in a crucial game, suarez will work more to get a goal while balo gets bogged down and becomes petulant which could cost us the game. remember when mourinho said about spending 14 of the 15 minutes during half time trying to talk sense into balo? he told him that he is already on a booking and he has no strikers on the bench so for the love if god dont get sent off. and in the first minute of the second half - red card.
ReplyDeleteHe praised Anfield saying that it had the most exciting fans to play in front of so it might be fate.
ReplyDeletePlease no. This guy has the ego the size of Mount Everest.
ReplyDeleteBut Suarez does get flustered as well. He might not have done anything with his foot but his teeth are a dangerous proposition. Also, he tends to shout at others and take stupid shots.
ReplyDeleteBrendan you lier, you beautiful lier.....Borini off to Sunderland then I guess?
ReplyDeleteRespect on #justice4michaelbrown
ReplyDelete2011-12 season Balotelli was suspended for 11 matches.
ReplyDeleteIn 2013 he was banned for three games for “intimidating and insulting” a ref during a game.
This excludes what happens behind the scenes.
If you want trouble then we are getting exactly that if we sign this player.
taking stupid shots wins games. players reach the level of messi, suarez, etc by doing things that no one else will try. but i agree that suarez also disappears under pressure. im just saying disappearing under pressure is better than lashing out and costing your team dear.
ReplyDeleteWe should loan him and send him back with a big FU like they did with Aquilani..... But if he score 35+ forget begin petty we just buy him.
ReplyDeleteHated the way Juve and AC mugged us off with Alberto Aquilani. Why don't we see if they would take a swap with Borini?
Please let this be true what value especially when we sell borini...remember that balotelli is only 24 and at that young age has won a prem title and a few serie A ones and also has played, scored in, and won the champions league before. Yes there is a discipline issue but balotelli is still young and hes not biting people Rodgers got this....reports are saying we submitted a £17.6 mil bid with this guys talent, potential, and believe it or not experience at his age very hard to argue against that price especially if borini goes at £14
ReplyDeleteThat's true as well, however BR is different. If we signed him I still think he would mess up.
ReplyDeleteHe needs to want to to clean up his act. He has been around int her world stage since he was 17 but on a personal level has not accomplished much...just stints of good form here and here... Of course he has won titles etc...
He needs to settle...
Which Suarez did on multiple occasions.
ReplyDelete"...if harnessed properly...." It hasn't happened yet. It won't happen at LFC either. We'll be selling him as soon as Origi and Tex return...which won't be soon enough for me. I'm done trying to talk sense about this rabble-rouser.
ReplyDeleteI agree, I don't want to sign him. Just saying, his suspensions pale in comparison to Suarez
ReplyDeleteNo they don't. They are essentially the same .
ReplyDeleteAgreed. All the top strikers we're being linked with have some question marks about them which makes it hard to justify paying the ridiculous fees their parent clubs want. A loan to buy would be my preference to see whether BR can effectively mould their game and personality in the liverpool way because, if he can achieve that, we will have one hell of a strikeforce this season!
ReplyDeleteI've stated before that I'm all for this signing. I understand peoples' hesitations and they are all warranted.
ReplyDeleteI'm of the opinion that Rodgers can handle Balotelli and succeed where others have failed.
That being said, I think loan with an option to buy after 1 season is the best route for LFC and for Mario.
No Brainer, he's a goal scorer, he's quality, proven in the Pre + he's a bit mad and Brendan loves his mental strikers. If he can get the best out of him like he did Suarez then it really could be amazing! The fans would love him and he would love playing at anfield.
ReplyDeleteMilan CEO Adriano Galliani has confirmed that LFC have made no contact for Balotelli.
ReplyDeleteSuarez total bans for each club for 8 games for Ajax, 18 games for LFC and now effectively 10 games for Barcelona.
ReplyDeleteNot really the same 14 games compared to 34 is it?
Even most nutcases learn with age that there is a time and a place for the antics. The majority of people are more wild and stupid in their teens and early twenties.
ReplyDeleteHow can one conclude the BR 'loves' his mental strikers? Why would any manager sign himself up for being shrink, father figure, firm hand, apologist, AND coach to any supposed 'grown-up?' He does have 25 or so other players to mold into a team. Why would he 'love' to baby-sit one and not the others?
ReplyDelete14...SO FAR...and Suarez was only out 18 for LFC...the others don't count. Knowing what they now know, the fans in every away stadium will be looking to light his fuse in every match. The opposing team will be looking to do the same. This would be a train wreck waiting to happen.
ReplyDeleteI'd take a chance on him if its a try before buy deal. Leeds thought Cantona was trouble, utd took a chance and look what happened.
ReplyDeleteWho are these many players Rodgers has tamed?
ReplyDeleteAdditionally, the BBC gossip page makes no mention of it.
ReplyDeleteThat lad could eat an apple through a letterbox, Balo on the other hand would just blow it up with a firework!!! I just don't know who I'd prefer out of all the strikers we're linked to at the moment.
ReplyDeleteThe ban is a joke. It's like, we're gonna ban you from signing any players but you can have this window to totally re-shape your squad. It's a nonsense. The footballing governing bodies are rotten to the core. FIFA more than UEFA but corruption is rife in each and the whole thing needs totally revamped.
ReplyDeleteUltimately an organisation that is only answerable to itself is always going to be open to corruption but especially in a cloak and dagger business like football.
One solution I think would help would be if the FIFA presidency worked much in the same way as the US presidency in as much as you have one four year term and if re-elected serve a second 4 year before term and that's the maximum time you can be in charge.
At the moment football is run by the old boy's club which is why the use of technology is being introduced at an absolute snail's pace, much to the frustration of everyone else. Remember at West Ham the penalty Andy Carroll won? The Liverpool players were all pointing at the replays being shown on the big screen but the ref'd not allowed to look. Everyone in the ground knew it wasn't a pen except the ref. it's a joke.
FIFA needs revamped with some younger blood to drive the game into the modern world instead of these brandy swilling, cigar smoking fat cats we're lumped with
I think 'cherish' isn't in Balotelli's vocabulary.
ReplyDeleteThey're nothing like the same, there's something like a 20 game difference! Suarez also managed all his bans without getting a single red card. One for racism, THREE for biting! They do not have a comparable record, let's be realistic
ReplyDeleteNo kidding. Saving Princess Toadstool back in '85 really went to his head.
ReplyDeleteWere you ever in any doubt?
ReplyDeleteHis boyhood club is Milano, but for real. Even when he was in Inter he use to wear milano shirt under Inter's. So him liking our club doesn't really matter..
ReplyDeleteLooks like a panic buy for me.
ReplyDeleteSuarez built made his mark with us went on to Barca to make his wealth :)
ReplyDeleteWould certainly welcome him if he joins! Has the potential to be a world class striker, Rodgers managed to sort Sterlings life out I have confidence he can handle Ballotelli's antics.
ReplyDeleteAs for people saying there's no strikers out there available... Rubbish! The world of football is massive there must be some hidden gems out there, Bony is the obvious available player but what about Negredo? With Jovetic back in the frame this year his chances of playing will be slim.
Lille v Porto, another chance to see Origi tonight.
ReplyDeleteFair enough I would agree with that
ReplyDeleteWhat channel?
ReplyDeleteHopefully he'll convince Raheem to stop breeding like a rabbit
ReplyDeleteAgree Br is good in making the spirit in the dressing room, but.. With Reina, Stewart, and Andy it was a situation where BR didn't want them(didn't bring them himself) AND AFTER a while just told them to leave if they don't obey. In case of Balloteli it would be different, it is bringing somebody, being responsable for his actions without that obey or you are out card. With Suarez to be honest, Rogers didn't get so far, Sturidge just matured in my opinion, so Sterling is the only beast he tamed. And Balloteli is to be tamed, it is not an ordinary situation of making the dressing room click..
ReplyDeletedon't you mean Ciao?
ReplyDeleteDepends where you live mate.
ReplyDeleteI still think that Brendo tamed Luis for one season as well and last season was the only won where Luis was not involved in any contreversy and Brendo has to be given credit for that. He has tamed Skrtel and brought him back to form, he has revitalised Gerrard. People like Mancini and Mourinho are very volatile characters and get flustered and get into conflicts with immature characters like Balo and Tevez. You need to nurture these kind of guys, not try to control them and Brendo can do that.
ReplyDeleteBalotelli is the perfect i dont care what they say about his attitude. Get him!
ReplyDeleteMy only reservation is how will they get along with sturridge and who do we play? Or do we play a front two?
I'd like to see him and his girlfriend's Fanny. you say
ReplyDeleteWhat?
ReplyDeleteWhy is it that he'd only become friends with fellow black players?
ReplyDeleteI think this is why there is a delete function .......
ReplyDeleteCause having one kid is just soooooooooooooo crazy!
ReplyDeleteCantona was banging Sheringhams Wife, thats why Leeds let him go.
ReplyDeleteBonjour Rodders
ReplyDeleteWhat taming did the teenage kid Sterling need? I've never seen reports of him doing anything particularly bad or different to most normal teenagers.
ReplyDeleteRabbits have obviously cleaned up their act lately
ReplyDeleteHe's got 3 has he not?
ReplyDeleteNot according to the man himself.
ReplyDelete3 I believe.
ReplyDeleteClearly I'm misinformed
ReplyDeleteonly thing that is bit worrysome is his conversion rate. over 200 shots and only 17 goals iirc worse than lavezzi. for comparison sturridge's last season about 100 shots and 21 goals. the good thing is that getting 200 shots mean you have to DO something right.
ReplyDeleteand wouldn't care too much what galliani says. sevillas president said there's no agreement and in the same day moreno joined the club.
He came out in an interview and said he has one daughter called Melody; he also posted a pic of her on sh!tter or book face taking the kick out of claims he had 3/4 kids. If he had more and different mums dotted about, the proof would of been visible. I believe him and not nonsense rumours.
ReplyDeleteIt's like we've been transported back to the 70's in this little section of comments.- sadly
ReplyDeleteFair enough, not looking for an argument
ReplyDeleteExactly what I've been thinking mate. Some very questionable comments.
ReplyDeleteplease sign him. why all the hate people. Balotelli has the potential to become a kop legend. He'd play for Pool like he does for Italy. I can guarentee you that alls he needs is the right atmosphere, right manager and the right captain to push him forward. The club, its manager in BR and its captain in Stevie i would put money on getting his game to the next level whilst also limiting his shenanigans. He'd love it here. score in front of the kop and i can tell you he'll score plenty. screw falcao and his 200 000 wages. and screw eto. Balotelli is the man for sure. PLS BE TRUE.
ReplyDeleteStill nobody likes Glen Johnson tho haha
ReplyDeleteNeither am I. Just like clearing up misconceptions of certain players which are constantly perpetuated with insufficient evidence to back them up.
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, cause all black guys look the same right?
ReplyDeleteAnd what do you mean "we also have"? Oh, you mean as well as the other blacks we have Sakho.
Unbelievable.
This is not the best example of ego. More an example of his childlike and playful nature. He could be doing so much worse so it just seems like an odd thing to pick on.
ReplyDelete3 different teams have waited for his 'potential' now for five years. All three teams have dumped him as soon as they couldn't stand his act anymore. the last two teams dumped him for less money than they paid for him...which says alot...including his 'boyhood' club ACM. They dumped him because his baggage outweighed his abillity by a couple of million pounds. There is a reason ACM, his 'boyhood' club wants him gone and there is a reason other big teams aren't trying to buy him. That is the message LFC should be getting.
ReplyDeleteIt's truly funny how all the Balotelli advocates qualify their zeal with something like, "after BR sorts him out" or "under BR's man-management." Note to zealots: this hasn't happened yet and there is absolutely no evidence that BR can or will want to 'sort' Balotelli out and every big team he has played for has taken extraordinary steps to get rid of him. If his ability outweighed his baggage, why is his value going down with every trade?
ReplyDeleteBored of this now...
ReplyDeleteWhat he is saying in this photo is that he is the 'real' Super Mario and wants everyone to know that. Attention seeker, stroke my ego otherwise I throw my toys, trouble maker. Why always me...
ReplyDeleteDid Balotelli do something to you?
ReplyDeleteI understand you don't want him. You've made that very clear.
But it's like your on some personal mission or crusade to constantly reiterate that you don't want him.
lol!
ReplyDeleteYup..but in Spanish they say Adios :)
ReplyDeleteNo kidding. Rescuing Princess Toadstool back in '85 (and every other year thereafter) really went to his head.
ReplyDeleteChildlike and playful nature?! Surely you jest. He is clearly choking the life out of that little plumber.
ReplyDeleteMourinho described Balotelli as "unmanageable". Mancini loved him but still fell out with him. I don't want him anywhere near my club!
ReplyDeleteIf this is serious then you need to learn to take thing lightly my friend, I think he's referring to the hair more than anything else. My bad if it's sarcasm, can't tell online lol
ReplyDeleteI'm not convinced even a cut price Balotelli is worth it. Why dont' we accept any medical risk there might be with Remy and go back in for him instead? The fee is only marginally more than we paid for Aspas or Alberto. Why not offer him only a 2 year contract to reduce the club's risk further? At the moment it would be that or QPR as no one else has come in for him. Surely that would make sense for LFC and Remy?
ReplyDeletePogba left because he wanted first team games
ReplyDeleteis origi playing
ReplyDeleteI actually like this idea...after all Remy could only kill himself...Balotelli could kill the whole team.
ReplyDeleteI'd be very happy with the mooted loan-to-buy idea that has been floated. Tremendously talented and you could imagine Rodgers turning him around. It is one of those transfers where even if we did pay £25m for him, I wouldn't really be in favour of that transfer but I'd still be very excited by it.
ReplyDeleteyes.
ReplyDeleteLooks like we might be back in for Falco - great if we can get him.
ReplyDeleteAlso miffed at stories suggesting we let Suarez go on the cheap @ £65m - that's be down our brillian
loan to buy is a good deal for liverpool,specially if we dont seem to be able to get any other top line striker.BIG if but if he and the club can sort his head out,this guy can become anything,he has it all to be the best in the world,its just that little space between the ears that lets him down.My only concern is him disrupting the dressing room,but if rodgers feels he can bring out the best in balotelli,on a loan with option to buy then i think hes worth the gamble.With his natural ability,speed and size balotelli can destroy teams and if his head can be sorted he is the player who has the xfactor and can bring help bring trophies back where they belong.
ReplyDelete£65m is a lie. I don't know this to be a fact, but I do know Barcelona have a history of lying about transfer costs. I'm fairly comfortable in my belief - that is to say, I utter the following with a barely perceptible squirm in my seat - he was sold for £75m.
ReplyDeleteI prefer Adios. It has more of a finality factor to it. Ciao could mean anything.
ReplyDeleteI think Ballo now realises his beloved Italy has not fully embraced him the way he thought. Having tasted English life, he now realises that it's not all that bad. I've said it before England is the best place for a black footballer to ply his trade. Not that racism has been abolished more that England has 20-30 years head start on integrating black footballers in league football compared to the rest of Europe. That together with BRs man-management should count for something!
ReplyDeleteLoan deal with a view to buy is the most ideal situation. He's an upgrade from both Bony & Remy but with some baggage.
His singlehanded dismantling of Germany in the Euros was the best individual performance I've seen by a striker on the national stage in ages!
can you put balotelli on the bench? , no
ReplyDeletecan you sometimes but bony on the bench ? yes
can you put Baby in the corner?
ReplyDeleteSounds like were getting Balotelli, Falcao and Reus. That should do it.
ReplyDeletehis attitude stinks. ibe twice the player
ReplyDeleteSoooo...you DO care about his attitude then right?
ReplyDeleteif balo only uses half his potential hell score 20 plus goals
ReplyDeleteComplete Fantasy.. But I wouldn't expect anything less from the ""no.1 critical realism site that is this drivel! This isn't no.1 anything apart from trash....
ReplyDeleteYou can ban me all you like, but I will continue to call you on your rubbish....
Pep on why BM didn't sign Reus:
ReplyDeletePep Guardiola said: "We already have eight strikers. I do not need new players. I am pleased with this squad."
Can we have one please?
Just seen on lfcdaytrippers pics of Ayre arriving in Amsterdam, to meet Balotelli's agent "they say", might be something in this rumour.
ReplyDeleteAre these Italian sources reliable? I heard the daily star was reporting it so that doesn't give it much credibility and Milan are denying it. People seem to be panicking a bit but let's face it, if Souness, Hansen and Lawrenson think it would be a bad move we should probably do everything we can to sign him. And Rodgers is probably just the right manager for him given his impressive man management... He seems to know how to handle the "troubled" players
ReplyDeleteNobody puts baby in the corner... NOBODY!
ReplyDeleteBalotelli is a firecracker waiting to go off on the pitch and off it, no doubt he's unplayable when he's up for it then he's a world beater, he has always spoken very highly by all accounts of LFC saying they are the best fans so maybe the support of the fans coupled with the guidance of Brendan he could be tamed and flourish into the player he has promised to be, but who knows? it's a risk so the most sensible option would be to loan him if possible and give him a trail run.
ReplyDeleteI've seen the pictures too and I can categorically say that it's definitely Ayres........... or someone else in a suit
ReplyDeleteHe's a loose cannon pal on an off the pitch don't need his sought.
ReplyDeleteDepends, If we sell Borini he would be a good replacement but we still need a marquee striker to replace Suarez. As of now our net spent is approximately equal to Everton's. with the extra CL revenue we should be focusing on a Reus, Falcao, Cavani type of player.
ReplyDeletehahahaha
ReplyDeletei bet they would throw a mean bbq, with a bit of fanny about
ReplyDeleteSign Zaha for £5M and sell Borini for £14M. Move backwards?
ReplyDeletePearce just said: Agger, Assaidi, Coates, Robinson and Coates will go.
ReplyDeleteWe are not interested in Bony nor Lavezzi. It's Falcao or Balo and preferably for loan.
But we will see...
If he focuses I would mind him over bony
ReplyDeleteHave to say I didnt recognise him, without his helmet.
ReplyDeleteLoan deal with option to buy is shrewd business to me, basically a premier league proven forward who will score goals, on and off field antics would be the only risk to deal.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, I was at Anfield when City played pool, and in the pre match warm up the guy was cracking shots at goal at least twice the speed as others and looked like a man possessed, he was sent off in this game and I think this is basically the problem he gets to excited and does not know how to control this, I would suspect red cards no matter what
why sign falcoa when his heart wants to play for madrid, and will do given the chance. been saying from the start, we should take a chance on balotelli and remy (even now) with those 2 we are pretty sorted, with money left in the kitty. we dont have much other decent options.
ReplyDeleteno guarentee falcoa or cavani would be instant successes and at the top end of 20, its a major risk if they dont deliver, both are not proven in the prem, balo and remy are. its a no brainer.
alonso would be a great coup if lucas goes. if not alonso, song worth a punt. sadly lucas past his best, not consistant enough.
Suarez behaved impeccably off the pitch though, a real family man.
ReplyDeleteBalotelli is plain crazy on and off the pitch, but I hope we sign him. He will score 20+ goals and divert attention away from other players. Try man making Coutinho with the SBS up front
That's subject to opinion!
ReplyDeleteI tried to stop...but I can't. I'm just trying to stop a train wreck by pulling the lever that diverts one of the trains in time. BR is building something that will put LFC back on the pedestal where it belongs. This player is not a step in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteFrom the BBC Gossip page
ReplyDelete"Liverpool's shock bid for striker Mario Balotelli, 24, collapsed after AC Milan refused to sanction a 'good behaviour' clause in the deal, meaning Liverpool could send him back at any time."
This has been backed up by Tony Barrett so it seems the interest is not just a rumour. I'd suggest Liverpool don't need to worry about a loan so long as the price is right. Balotelli just turned 24 and if he played a couple of seasons for Liverpool he'd no doubt grow as a player. He'd retain his value for an on-going transfer for a number of years so if the club didn't want him any more they could just on-sell. For all the issues we had with Suarez he was still a great player and ended up turning us a massive profit. Balotelli has the talent and will always be an asset, it's just a question of understanding his mental state and being comfortable that he'll play for the team, not for himself.
ReplyDeleteBalotelli is a wonderful player and if BR can straighten him out it'll be another master stroke by our manager! This is like the same forum we had before we bought Sturridge! The manager that gets into his head will get gold!
ReplyDeleteRegarding his age ... Balotelli is the same age now as Suarez was when he joined from Ajax. I think Balotelli has a ton of potential and can be a much better player than we've even seen so far. If he was willing to listen and learn from Rodgers, take a role in the team and do what he's told, he could be moulded into someone truly terrifying, as effective as Suarez but in a different way. Redcoutinho said it in his last comment - Rodgers has gotten the best out of Sturridge, a player we were all a little unsure about when he was bought, so why not a similar outcome with Balotelli?
ReplyDeleteI think Milan didn't want the 'good behavior' clause in there (as suggested in some news) as LFC learned something new from the Suarez-barca contract.
ReplyDelete1. The question is will Balotelli improve the team? Yes.
2. Is he going to be a problem for the team? Probably yes.
3. Is he nuts? Presumably yes.
4. Are we desperate for a good striker? HELL YES!!!
5. Balotelli or Borini? No brainer.
Ok we sign Balotelli tomorrow.
Of course, it's due to the strip of blonde hair...
ReplyDeleteThere was a pic on the net where sakho and mario were standing and smiling beside each other in the recent friendly against ac milan and they looked incredibly alike...
Suarez never went awol
ReplyDeleteMakes no sense signing a player who sits and waits for the ball just as sturridge does, we need someone who comes a little deeper and links up play. Signing and playing both of them will leave us short when we are defending
ReplyDeleteoff the pitch!!??oh please tell me the story...suarez has zero loyalty towards us..have you shown any gratitude towards him??why don't we just thank the man and wish him luck in the future...
ReplyDeletefor that price, we must definitely get him...
ReplyDeleteRemy tested positive for a banned substance (recreational) according to what has leaked out since his medical, not sure how much truth in it but would make sense why plug was pulled on the deal
ReplyDeleteM Balotelli(24) has worked under some serious managers with calibre and quality who could not control him ( Mourinho and Mancini)
ReplyDeleteSo for anyone to think B Rodgers can control M Balotelli(24) is comical, The only way Balotelli(24) is going to calm down is if he wants to and if he has matured over than that he will do as he pleases.
BBC are reporting that Liverpool are currently holding talks to sign him permanently.
ReplyDeleteI'm excited. I think this is going to happen.
ReplyDelete14 goals and 6 assists in the Italian league last season. That's not just the team's leading scorer, he had more assists than anyone else. Kaka had more key passes but ultimately didn't get the assists. I know ... they're just stats, but Balotelli knows how to lay a ball off to a team mate who's in a better position. He can certainly deliver a pass both long and short and he's more than happy to be the guy running at defenders to make space for others.
ReplyDeleteThe big question is in work-rate and defence, you're dead-on about that. Both he and Sturridge will want to play a high line in attack. Rodgers will just have to work out the best combination. Balotelli needs to be taught how to work harder and be willing to play that false nine role like Suarez did. The player just needs to channel his crazy into an on-field effort.
I'd say it's over 50% chance that we get Balotelli. Is that good or bad thing? Time shows but at least we would have the best attacking trio in league next to ManC. And would that be awesome if Balo would score winning goal against City in Etihad? :D
ReplyDeleteMy nickname was originally SSB standing Sturridge, Sterling, Bony according to the famous game series Super Smash Bros but Sturridge, Sterling, Balo sounds as good as well.
Mario. It has to be Mario. You know that scouse sense of humour ... he's already a member of the Super Smash Brothers!
ReplyDeleteDon't you mean Mourinho (51) and Mancini (49)?
ReplyDeleteHahah well noticed. Yes this seems to be destiny.
ReplyDeleteSturridge wasn't fancied as a hard-working team player until he spent some time at Liverpool. They're obviously quite different players but it's not true to say that Rodgers hasn't shown his man management skills. Sterling was running into trouble for a while there but he's back on track. Suarez ... well, Suarez is just himself, but he became the best striker in the world under Rodgers and indeed cleaned up his act when it came to diving and arguing with refs.
ReplyDeleteDon'f forget that part of the issue with Mario in Italy is that he gets racially abused by his own fans. That's no small thing and maybe it's just another issue that Milan don't want to have to deal with.
Bob's right. I trust Bob. Bob.
ReplyDeleteRead a lot of comments on this and there are some either really ignorant people on here or straight out racists.
ReplyDeleteSome of the comments about Sterling breeding, as well as some of the comments that just by accident all/ some of LFC Black players are Lazy and troublesome is disgusting.
Jaimie I suggest that you take a more active approach with the comments being posted it reflects ON YOU.
You've obviously forgotten his constant attempts to leave for arsenal a couple of years ago, speaking badly about the club in the press and being desperate to leave. Yet I have to show gratitude to him? Grow up
ReplyDeleteLiverpool want Balotelli AND Falcao. Falcao is the one Rodgers particularly wants; on a one year loan, with a view to make him permanent. They were also looking at Higuain but found that he was too expensive for what he was worth. Ayre is looking after Balotelli, while the transfer committee are out scouring for a midfielder or two in Europe. Touch wood, but I'm pretty confident Balotelli will happen.
ReplyDeleteAnd other places say that a fee has been agreed
ReplyDeleteWe've also been looking at Bakkari from PSV, but want to loan him back, just like with Origi.
ReplyDeleteAt first I wasn't particularly happy about it, just because we got rid of one "bad boy" and now we are going to get another....
ReplyDeleteHe is a great talent, I just hope he sorts his behaviour out.
Yes that sounds a good idea. We need some added quality upfront with some arrogance when going against the top 4 four teams but also having the quality to unlock the lesser sides that sit back.
ReplyDeleteoh yeah...and how about the number of times he saved our beloved team from defeat...inspite of his antics, whether its on or off, this man has always played with passion whenever he has worn the shirt...you remember all his negative qualities and you forget his positive ones...hats off to you...and you are telling me to grow up...
ReplyDeleteIf anyone looks at Balotelli's stats, he generally scores a goal every 2/3 games apart from his final 6 months at Manchester City where he scored a goal every 14 games
ReplyDeleteyou should work for skysports what with all your insider knowledge.
ReplyDeleteMy source is actually too good. I'm very lucky.
ReplyDeleteNice!
ReplyDeleteIf you read my original comment I take note of his efforts on the pitch. The reason in telling you to grow up is because you're blinded by your adoration of him from seeing the truth.
ReplyDeleteDo you honestly think he gives a sh*t about us? If you do you're in dreamland. Suarez got paid an obscene amount of money to represent Liverpool and I'm meant to wax lyrical about him because he tried his hardest and did his job well? So he bloody should for 200k a week.
Fact of the matter is, as brilliant as he was, he brought the club into disrepute on countless occasions, was a constant stress and needed micro-managed to a huge degree. If you are in denial about all this then that's your problem
Is it Phil Thompson?
ReplyDeleteWhat does it matter to any of us anyway? Even if we sold him for 3 lettuce leaves and a grapefruit, we still spent money and it's near the end of the window, so it doesnt matter. We've bought well, just signed up another arguably world class striker and strengthened our first XI and our squad. Just trust in BR and IA. None and I repeat NONE of us are in their shoes and therefore NONE of us have even the slightest clue on what they do. Just go with it, it's been a great window, lets roll on to citeh
ReplyDelete