Mario Balotelli faces an uncertain future yet again this summer, but newly promoted Crotone are willing to give him an opportunity in Serie A next season.
The Italian striker will see his loan deal with AC Milan come to an end this summer, and there are doubts over whether or not Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp sees a future for him at Anfield.
On the face of it, Balotelli doesn’t seem to fit the German tactician’s style of football, which in turn suggests that he could be offloaded again in a career that risks failing to reach the heady heights once predicted.
However, he could be given a chance to shine under less pressure with Crotone, with their President, Raffaele Vrenna, welcoming him to the club this summer as they prepare for life in the Italian top flight next season.
“Will we bring a top player to Crotone? We have a good reputation for revitalising careers of players having a difficult time,” he told Sky Sport Italia.
“In that case, why not go for Balotelli?”
Crotone sealed second place in Serie B this season behind Cagliari, and will therefore now begin the process of preparing their squad for next year.
As for Balotelli, although injury has derailed his season, he has managed just one Serie A goal all year and ultimately hasn’t done enough to convince Milan that he deserves a permanent move back to the San Siro.
With Klopp unlikely to look at his situation more favourably, perhaps the 25-year-old will have to lower his expectations and consider a move to a smaller club to really make his mark.