In what is probably the most dominant saga of the January transfer window, Mario Balotelli is still not getting any closer to leaving Manchester City for AC Milan because of money the clubs can’t agree on, but that’s not the only reason.
Balotelli has been on Milan’s sights even before he ever left Inter for the Premier League. After hardly spending any money on anyone this summer, it looks like Milan are willing to gamble a lot of cash (£17 million) on a player that has hardly seen starters minutes this season, not to mention the lack go goals, scoring only 3 in 15 matches.
Not just cash – seeing that the deal is stuck, Milan are willing to throw in Kevin-Prince Boateng into the deal. The Ghanian midfielder is one of the few creative option Milan have on the field, but he isn’t having the best of seasons for the Rossoneri, and might be glad to make a return to England, although for a team there’s a good chance he might not get a lot of playing time with.
Manchester City themselves are simply undecided. There’s always the fear of letting potential go and then seeing him succeed somewhere else. Despite all the trouble Balotelli has caused, there’s still plenty that believe one day, potential and common sense will triumph over his childish behavior that thwarts any progress he makes in his career.
In 2010, City paid €22 million for the 20 year old (then), and think they’ve upgraded enough to warrant a profit when selling him. There’s also what Roberto Mancini wants: Mancini, despite everything, still has plenty of faith in Balotelli. Maybe it’s a father figure issue, maybe it’s something else, but he’s just finding it hard to sign off on letting him go. He’s also not too happy about remaining with only three strikers for the rest of the title race.
City don’t look to be bringing anyone new at the moment, but they surprised everyone in the summer transfer window with a few late signings no one saw coming. Maybe they’re saving their money for Neymar, Falcao or Edinson Cavani. Meanwhile, a solution to the Balotelli issue is nowhere near to being reached.