Mario Balotelli transfer could have a big impact on Leeds United’s January windowHands up who imagined Mario Balotelli, he of Manchester City, Italy and Liverpool fame, playing a role in Leeds United’s January transfer window?
And fear not, Yorkshireites. This is not one of those Andrea Radrizzani-style vanityy projects.
After Radrizzani spoke openly, and perhaps a little naively, about his attempts to lure Nicolo Zaniolo, Edinson Cavani, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and more to Elland Road, the San Francisco 49ers appear a little more grounded in their running of Leeds United. A little more realistic.
Mario Balotelli is certainly the sort of character that may have tempted Radrizzani, during his time in charge of the Championship leaders, like a moth to a hot flame.
But if the enigmatic former Inter Milan striker is to find himself sharing column inches with Leeds next month, it is likely to be with regards to a potential Elland Road exit for Patrick Bamford.
According to TeamTalk, Leeds’ number nine is a target for Serie A outfit Genoa. If that is surprising, links with big-spending League One duo Birmingham City and Wrexham are less so.
And Bamford could, if reports are to be believed, take the place vacated by Balotelli at the GrifoneBalotelli has not scored in just 56 minutes of Serie A action since returning to his homeland. And with Mexican outfit Cruz Azul slapping down an offer of over £30,000-a-week, a player very much in the autumn of his career would be forgiven for seizing the chance to quintuple the wage he currently takes home at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.
Though if Genoa can only afford to fork out £6,000-a-week for Balotelli, then what chance do they realistically have of financing a deal for Patrick Bamford?
A pretty small one, according to TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey.
“He’s on a lot of money. Too much money for Genoa for sure,” Bailey explains to Leeds United News. “I don’t see in what any world.
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