Thứ Bảy, 15 tháng 8, 2015

Ranking the Week's 20 Hottest Transfer Rumours: Mario Balotelli, Pedro and More

Ranking the Week's 20 Hottest Transfer Rumours: Mario Balotelli, Pedro and More
Another week closer to the end of the transfer window, teams are scurrying trying to add the final pieces to their puzzles to achieve seasonal objectives in 2014-15.
Collating this week's rumours featuring the biggest players and clubs in Europe, we assess which are the biggest and most enticing potential transfers yet to happen in the closing days. Most major league campaigns are up and running now for 2015-16, so late additions can make all the difference.
Again we iterate that the ranking of these rumours is subjective and open to change based on the changing reports of any impending transfers; we order them based on each player's reputation in the game, the rumoured price tag and the size or recent success of the potential buying club.

Mario Balotelli Could Have Matched Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi Says AC Milan Legend

Italy and AC Milan legend Gianni Rivera feels Mario Balotelli had the ability to become one of the greats of his generation. 

The former AC Milan striker’s career is in limbo as Liverpool are desperate to offload a forward they paid £16m to buy last summer, but there are few takers for the mercurial striker.

Balotelli has been grabbing the headlines since his arrival at Liverpool but most of them have been for his off field shenanigans rather than for his performances on the pitch.

After scoring just four goals in a Liverpool shirt, the mercurial Italian is unwanted at Anfield, but Rivera feels the story could have been much different had the striker decided to apply himself to his considerable talent.


The AC Milan great feels Balotelli had the ability to match the greats of his generation, but admits that the striker never applied too much thought to his game.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, the 71-year-old said: “Balotelli had given me hope, but perhaps his way of thinking didn’t help.

“He could have been at the level of [Lionel] Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo if he had more belief.”


Balotelli’s future at Liverpool looks bleak as Brendan Rodgers has so far ignored him from all his pre-season squads and he didn’t make it to the match day squad for their game against Stoke City last weekend.

Danny Murphy Doubts Mario Balotelli Was Signed by Brendan Rodgers

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has suggested that Italian striker Mario Balotelli might not have been bought by manager Brendan Rodgers, according to ​talk SPORT.

It's looking likely that Balotelli won't spend another season on Merseyside as Brendan Rodgers has frozen out the out-of-favour forward.
The Italian troublemaker is not the only player to receive the silent treatment from Rodgers, as defender Jose Enrique and Balotelli's compatriot Fabio Borini have also been given the cold shoulder. 

Borini failed to impress Brendan Rodgers last term whilst Jose Enrique spent the entire season on the sidelines due to a knee injury.

"If you take the three players in the headlines at the moment – Enrique, Borini and Balotelli – they’ve all had a fair crack of the whip, really,” Murphy said.

“Enrique has not helped himself; he’s missed a lot of games with poor excuses in the past couple of seasons and he’s not the bravest." 

Hull City v Liverpool - Premier League

Murphy also expressed his thoughts on Liverpool's complex transfer committee.

“I think Balotelli has had a fair go in the team."

"Whether Brendan was solely in charge of getting Balotelli in in the first place, I’m not sure, because they’ve got a committee that get players in." 

“And Borini has actually been a player who has been sought after. Sunderland came in for him and offered good money, but he didn’t want to go.” finished Murphy.

Respected journalist Tony Barrett weighed in on the debate, suggesting Balotelli, Divock Origi, Joe Gomez and Lazar Markovic were committee signings.

Barrett continued, alluding the likes of Nathaniel Clyne, Dejan Lovren, James Milner, Adam Lallana and Christian Benteke were chosen by Rodgers alone.

Chủ Nhật, 2 tháng 8, 2015

Mario Balotelli's Liverpool nightmare set to continue after Bologna rule out move

BOLOGNA'S bid to sign Mario Balotelli has stalled due to Liverpool's asking price.

The 24-year-old joined Liverpool last summer from AC Milan for £16m but frustrated manager Brendan Rodgers with a series of indifferent performances.
And Rodgers left Balotelli at their Melwood training ground as they toured Far East and Australia during pre-season.
Sampdoria had expressed an interest in the Italian and Bologna were also said to be keen.
But speaking to Italian website Tuttosport, Bologna director of sport Pantaleo Corvino said: "Balotelli? At the right price I would take it.
Mario Balotelli

Mario Balotelli has fallen out with Brendan Rodgers
"We are out of reach at the level of engagement, but who can afford certain figures is right that offers a chance of recovery to players like him. 
"Our football has to try to find these talents that you are a bit lost after certain errors."