Mario Balotelli has been linked with a surprise move to Argentine giants River Plate, with the free agent reportedly attracting interest from the Buenos Aires club after leaving Genoa earlier this year.
The 35-year-old centre-forward, currently listed as “Without Club”, is the subject of a transfer rumour suggesting River could explore a deal to add the former Italy international to their attacking options. The speculation, recorded on 22 December 2025, does not include a stated probability for the transfer and there is no indication yet of any agreement over terms.
Balotelli’s current market value is given as €400k, a modest figure compared with his peak years but one that may make him an affordable short-term option for River should they decide to press ahead. As things stand, there are no details on contract length, salary or performance-related clauses, underlining that talks – if they are taking place – remain at an early, informal stage.
Now 35 and born in Palermo on 12 August 1990, Balotelli brings vast experience from Europe’s major leagues. He has represented Inter Milan, Manchester City, AC Milan, Liverpool, Nice and Marseille, as well as spells with Brescia, Monza, Swiss side FC Sion and Turkish outfit Adana Demirspor, before his latest stint at Genoa and subsequent return to free-agent status. A right-footed centre-forward with Italian and Ghanaian nationality, he has played in Serie A, the Premier League, Ligue 1, the Süper Lig and the Swiss Super League.
No recent match data has been listed alongside the current rumour, so River’s interest appears to be based more on Balotelli’s profile and pedigree than on a clearly documented run of form. If a move to the Torneo Clausura club were to materialise, it would add a new chapter to one of European football’s most eventful careers and offer Balotelli an unexpected stage on which to redefine his late playing years.
