Liverpool Transfer News: Mario Balotelli Warned by AC Milan as Loan Rumours Grow

Liverpool forward Mario Balotelli could be set to get a “last chance” handed to him by former club AC Milan after it was revealed the Rossoneri and the Reds are in talks about a potential loan deal for the Italian.

Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani revealed to Mediaset Premium that discussions have taken place over a transfer, and he has encouraged Balotelli to make the most of what could be his final opportunity with an elite team, per Jack Bezants of the Daily Mail:

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There are negotiations with Liverpool for a loan, but we have not reached an agreement on wages. We want a loan with a portion of the wages paid by us and another portion by Liverpool. We want Balo because we are convinced this lad realises that this is absolutely his last chance. I hope he understands that.

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Bezants noted that Balotelli has returned to Italy while these negotiations are ongoing, and he has no intentions to return to England. He also claimed that the striker could have a medical Tuesday ahead of a potential switch back to the San Siro.

It’s been a tough time for Balotelli since moving to Liverpool. He has failed to make any impression of note during his time at Anfield, bagging just one goal in the Premier League and cutting a languid figure at the point of the attack when he has featured. Needless to say, a change of scenery is what the player needs, and at this juncture, it seems inevitable.

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As noted by Sport Witness, Milan could be an ideal venue for the player to rekindle what is indisputable talent:

Indeed, the 18 months Balotelli spent in the red and black were arguably the best of his career to date. He relished leading the line for the club he supported as a boy and was prolific in front of goal during his time at the San Siro. But a year on from leaving Milan, the forward’s performance levels have deteriorated massively.

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It’s clear that the Premier League isn’t a division that will see the best from the forward, anyway, per OptaPaolo:

It seems as though Liverpool want rid of the forward, and while this deal wouldn’t get the striker off the books permanently, it’d suit both parties. Balotelli clearly doesn’t feature in manager Brendan Rodgers’ plans moving forward and needs to find regular football if he’s to re-establish his reputation as a quality forward.

The familiarity of Milan and his previous experiences of scoring goals in Serie A should help Balotelli, but there’s no guarantee minutes will come regularly. He’ll have to battle with the likes of Carlos Bacca and Luiz Adriano for a spot in the starting XI, and you have to wonder whether he has the desire to force his way into the plans of Milan boss Sinisa Mihajlovic.