Balotelli Departs Genoa After Brief Serie A Return
Mario Balotelli is set to leave Genoa just two months after joining, following limited playing time in his latest Serie A stint.
Italian striker Mario Balotelli is preparing to depart Genoa, only two months after signing with the Serie A club. Balotelli joined Genoa as a free agent in October 2024, following his departure from Turkish side Adana Demirspor, aiming to make a significant impact upon his return to Italy's top flight.
However, the 34-year-old forward has struggled for game time under coach Patrick Vieira, accumulating just 56 minutes on the pitch. With forwards Andrea Pinamonti and Vitinha preferred in the attacking lineup, Balotelli has found opportunities limited.
According to reports from Gazzetta dello Sport, Balotelli is now considering an exit from Genoa and is exploring options outside of Serie A. Brazilian outlet RTI Sport reports that he is in advanced negotiations with Mexican club Cruz Azul, with discussions focusing on salary terms. The Mexican transfer window is currently open, and Cruz Azul is expected to formalize an offer soon.
Balotelli's potential move to Mexico would mark another chapter in his well-traveled career, which has included stints at clubs such as Inter Milan, Manchester City, and Liverpool. Despite his talent, Balotelli has often struggled to find long-term stability at a single club.