Mario Balotelli is being linked with a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq as the experienced striker weighs up his next step after leaving Genoa and becoming a free agent.
The 35-year-old Italy and Ghana-eligible centre-forward is currently without a club following his latest spell at Genoa CFC, and is listed with a market value of €400,000. Data from Transfermarkt indicates Al-Ettifaq, who compete in the Saudi Pro League, are monitoring the forward’s situation, with the probability of any deal currently unclear and marked only as “?”.
Balotelli’s status as a free agent means any agreement would not require a transfer fee, a factor likely to appeal to clubs in search of short-term attacking reinforcements. The former Inter Milan, Manchester City and Liverpool player is primarily a centre-forward and is right-footed, standing at 1.89m and offering a physically imposing option at the top end of the pitch.
Born in Palermo on 12 August 1990, Balotelli has accumulated vast experience across Europe’s major leagues. His career has taken in Serie A with Inter, AC Milan, Brescia, Monza and most recently Genoa; the Premier League with Manchester City and Liverpool; Ligue 1 with Nice and Marseille; the Swiss Super League with FC Sion; and the Turkish top flight with Adana Demirspor. His market value, which once peaked at around €32m during his Manchester City days, has steadily declined to its current €400k, reflecting both his age and the later stages of his career.
No recent competitive match details are listed in the provided data, underlining a period of relative inactivity that any potential suitor would need to weigh against his pedigree and name recognition.
If Al-Ettifaq do move from interest to a concrete offer, the switch would add another chapter to one of European football’s most eventful careers and could shape Balotelli’s final years in the game in a rapidly developing league.
