Balotelli weighing up early Genoa exit amid rumours of Mexico move | OneFootball

The final days of the year will be decisive for Mario Balotelli to decide whether he wants to stay at Genoa for at least a further six months or already part ways with the Rossoblu.

The 34-year-old has racked up 56 Serie A minutes across six substitute appearances since joining the Grifone in late October as a free agent, and the return from injury of Caleb Ekuban and Jeff Ekhator could make getting playing opportunities even more complicated for the striker.

Mario Balotelli joins Genoa as a free agent until the end of the 2024-25 season (picture via www.genoacfc.it)

Balotelli could terminate his Genoa contract due to lack of playing time

With a clause included in his deal with Genoa allowing both parties to terminate the contract before its natural end, Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Balotelli is doubtful about accepting a secondary role until next June, as Andrea Pinamonti is considered the undisputed starter up front.

The pink newspaper also added that the player could be even more tempted away from the Stadio Luigi Ferraris following rumours concerning an interest from Mexican side Cruz Azul, who would be willing to offer the Italia forward a contract worth €2m per season.

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

Genoa recently announced the change of ownership, and while they would like to keep Balotelli until next summer, his limited playing time could prompt him to choose differently.