Balotelli on his way to Turkey?

Reports of Mario Balotelli returning to Liverpool this summer in order to prove his worth to Jurgen Klopp may be cut short due to the latest transfer news.

It has been reported by the Mirror that Turkish club Galatasaray are putting together a bid for the Liverpool flop. The Reds are looking to offload the underwhelming striker’s high wage bill that is reported at £80,000-a-week.

Following the 25-year-old’s depressing 2015/16 stint with AC Milan ending, Milan president, Silvio Berlusconi, made it clear that the club would let the Italian striker’s contract expire. He spoke:

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“There will be several departures as the likes of Alex, Mexes, Boateng and Balotelli all have deals that will expire.”

Once again, Mario Balotelli had a terrible season. The former Manchester City star appeared in 20 matches for AC Milan this year, only scoring an unimpressive total of one goal.

Balotelli hasn’t enjoyed his football ever since joining the Reds at Anfield. Upon arrival at Liverpool, the Italian striker was banging in the goals for Milan. In his 2013/14 season, the 25-year-old scored an overwhelming 26 goals in 43 matches, prompting a big-money move to the Premier League for an estimated fee around £16 million.

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 01: Mario Balotelli of AC Milan strikes the crossbar during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Frosinone Calcio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 1, 2016 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) /

However, upon arrival at Liverpool, Balotelli never looked the same. The Italian striker looked confused and out-of-place while on the field for Brendan Rodger’s side. The 25-year-old went on to make 16 appearances for Liverpool, only scoring one goal. Following his disastrous return to the Premier League, Balotelli was loaned back to his former club, AC Milan.

AC Milan went on to finish seventh in the Serie A table this season, yet again, missing out on Champions League football.

Although Mario Balotelli had a terrible year, someone is lending a helping hand. Turkish giants Galatasaray are hoping to ignite the Italian striker by bringing him to Istanbul.

Reports earlier this week suggested that Balotelli was willing to work his way back into the Liverpool squad, but after hearing why he wanted to stay in Milan, it’s unthinkable that he’d stay at Anfield. He commented:

“When it comes to my future I want to stay in Milan because I wasn’t happy at Liverpool and I don’t want to return there. And plus, Milan has the money. I’ve been doing well in my last two games, there are another six for me to prove myself. I feel in good shape physically at last and am relaxed.”

GENOA, ITALY – APRIL 17: Mario Balotelli of AC Milan gestures during the Serie A match between UC Sampdoria and AC Milan at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on April 17, 2016 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) /

Sadly enough, Balotelli will not be returning to Milan but a move to Turkey would be beneficial to his career. At this point in Balotelli’s career, he needs to find a scoring rhythm again. The 25-year-old has been playing in arguably the best defensive leagues in the world, but a switch to Turkey may allow the Italian to boost his goal tally.