Former Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli, who won 36 caps for Italy earlier in his career, looks set to move to the Middle East after being a free agent since the summer
07:00, 09 Jan 2026
Former Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli attends the Italian Grand Prix
Former Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli attends the Italian Grand Prix(Image: Alessio Morgese/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Former Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli could be set to transfer to the 14th club of his career at the age of 35, with interest in the Italian from the Middle East.
Balotelli failed to make an impact after returning to Italy in his most recent move, making just six league appearances for Genoa, all of which came from the bench. He hasn't played competitively since December 2024.
His spell with Genoa was forgettable and Balotelli has therefore been a free agent since the summer. According to Fox Sports, with interest from Al Ittifaq FC in Dubai, he could now make the switch there.
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Not to be confused with the Saudi Pro League outfit Al Ettifaq, which was previously managed by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, Al Ittifaq plies its trade in the UAE First Division, one below the UAE Pro League.
After a terrible beginning to the campaign, it sits bottom with just two wins and six points from 11 matches, having scored only six goals in total during that period.
Two other teams — Masfout and Al Dahra — are also on six points, meaning there is still a chance for Al Ittifaq to climb up the standings.
Balotelli during his time with Genoa
Balotelli during his time with Genoa(Image: Getty Images)
The addition of Balotelli could stop relegation to the third tier, with Al Ittifaq now owned by the Italian Pietro Laterza, who also owns the Serie D side Chievo.
Balotelli won 36 caps for his country earlier in his career and scored 14 times for Italy. However, he has very much been a journeyman since, despite having huge promise when he first broke through.
"Balotelli was one of the best because of his technical abilities," another failed Liverpool forward, Fabio Borini, said in an interview with The Independent recently.
"He was a great player with not much control of his mind," Borini added.
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Balotelli is known as much for his off-field antics as those on the pitch. He didn't hold back when asked about the coach who signed him for Liverpool, Brendan Rodgers, in 2023.
"Brendan Rodgers is the worst coach I have ever had," Balotelli told TV Play. "He was number one as far as training sessions were concerned, but as a person, he was a disaster."
After leaving Anfield, Balotelli enjoyed a decent spell with Nice before moving to Marseille. However, he has struggled to find stability and has played for teams in Italy, Turkey and Switzerland.