Mario Balotelli Set for Genoa Exit as Club Seeks Solution

Genoa sporting director Marco Ottolini has confirmed that the Italian Serie A club is looking to release former Italy striker Mario Balotelli before the end of the transfer window on February 3.

Genoa sporting director Marco Ottolini has revealed that the Italian Serie A club is looking to release former Italy striker Mario Balotelli before the end of the transfer window. Ottolini stated that Balotelli has dropped down the pecking order at Genoa, saying, “Balotelli has dropped down in my hierarchy, but he still wants to play.”

Despite signing Balotelli as a free agent in October on a contract until the end of the season, the striker has played just 56 minutes for Genoa. Ottolini acknowledged that the club is not providing Balotelli with the playing time he desires, saying, “I think by the end of the transfer window, we will find a good solution for everyone. Genoa aren't giving him the minutes he wants, we think the solution could be to find him a club where he can play.”

🚨👋🏻 58 days after joining Genoa, Mario Balotelli’s already on the verge of leaving the club.

“Mario wants to play and here he’s not finding enough space, so we’re looking for a good solution for all parties”, Genoa director Ottolini confirms. pic.twitter.com/0wCiDlXux9

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 27, 2025

Balotelli was signed by Genoa to cover for injured players Vitinha and Junior Messias. However, with the striker not featuring regularly, Ottolini is open to finding a new club for Balotelli. Genoa currently sits 12th in the Serie A table, six points above the relegation zone. With the Serie A transfer window closing on February 3, Ottolini is hopeful that a solution can be found for Balotelli's future.