We live in a weird and wonderful world. Mario Balotelli has been linked with Newcastle United.
The Italian is plying his trade in Turkey these days with the newly promoted Adana Demirspor. They're eight in the Turkish league so far this season.
Many will be unfamiliar with Balotelli's exploits since leaving Liverpool in 2015 after a loan spell at AC Milan. The 31-year-old found a home at OG Nice before bouncing around clubs.
Remarkably - he's still scoring quite a bit but not playing near the same amount of games or at the same level. He hasn't made more than 20 appearances for his last three clubs.
But it's his goals to games ratio that might be sparking some interest from Newcastle, with eight goals scored in twenty games during his first season in Turkey.
However, a video emerged early into the season of Balotelli having a bit of a strop on the bench. Nothing too out of the ordinary for a colourful character.
Seems like Balotelli’s experience in Turkey is going well..
pic.twitter.com/Oql97COGqe— Francesco (@FRANCESCalciO_) August 29, 2021
Balotelli Rumours
Newcastle have tried to address their defensive problems so far in the January window with the signing of Kieran Trippier and linked move for Diego Carlos of Sevilla.
However, a general improvement across the squad wouldn't go amiss. Bringing in someone of the caliber of a Balotelli might be a move to strengthen their backup options.
What's added fuel to the fire of the Balotelli to Newcastle rumours are comments made by Adana Demirspor's president Murat Sancak.
Sancak spoke to Turkish sports site Fanatik and confirmed they received some interest. "Newcastle was considering signing Balotelli," the club president said.
Mario Balotelli and Britt Assombalonga linked up twice in the final 10 minutes to cap off Demispor's remarkable 3-goal comeback against Besiktas in Turkey.
After his goal, Balotelli taunted the Besiktas manager, who in 2013 claimed the striker "doesn't have a brain". pic.twitter.com/hqCgt6XE2n— Matchday365 (@Matchday365) September 21, 2021
"But so far they have not made an official offer," he continued. "There is an exit clause in his contract. But I cannot reveal the amount of that clause."
It comes at a time when Newcastle have just bolstered their attacking options. Ex-Burnley target man Chris Wood joined for a reported £25 million last week.
Eddie Howe's side will be desperate to make a few more signings before the transfer window has closed. Whether Balotelli will be in the mix remains to be seen.
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