UAE club Al Ittifaq offer lifeline to ageing forward Balotelli | OneFootball

Mario Balotelli’s search for a new club continues, with interest from the Middle East emerging as a possible route back into professional football.

The former Italy international has been without a team since his brief and largely forgettable spell at Genoa, where he managed just a handful of minutes before drifting out of contention.

Despite that disappointment, Balotelli has continued to wait for another opportunity in Serie A, hoping for one last call from Italy’s top flight.

GENOA, ITALY – DECEMBER 21: Mario Balotelli of Genoa looks on during the Serie A match between Genoa and Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on December 21, 2024 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)

In the meantime, the 35-year-old has been keeping himself fit away from the spotlight, training with amateur side Carpenedolo while weighing up his next move.

Balotelli keeps up search for new club as offers arrive from Middle East

Balotelli has also drawn attention off the pitch in recent weeks, posting a cryptic message on social media following Genoa’s coaching change, a thinly veiled reference to his strained relationship with Patrick Vieira during his short stay at the club.

While a return to Italian football remains his preference, an overseas option is now taking shape.

Genoa’s Mario Balotelli in action during the Italian Serie A soccer match Parma Calcio vs Genoa CFC at Ennio Tardini stadium in Parma, Italy, 04 November 2024. EPA-EFE/ELISABETTA BARACCHI

According to calciomercato.com, via MilanNews24, UAE-based side Al Ittifaq have made contact and are prepared to offer Balotelli a long-term deal running until 2028.

The proposal would represent a clear change of direction for the Italian at this stage of his career, but also a chance to revive his fortunes after a frustrating year on the sidelines. Whether the striker opts to hold out for Serie A or accept an exotic move abroad remains to be seen.