Saudi Pro League side are reportedly on the verge of securing the signature of Italy international forward , as the club intensifies efforts to strengthen its squad ahead of the upcoming winter transfer window.
Balotelli, a free agent following his departure from in the summer, has been the subject of renewed transfer speculation in recent weeks. Sources close to the negotiations indicate that Al Ettifaq have emerged as the most serious suitors for the experienced striker, with talks believed to be at an advanced stage.
According to reports, the Saudi Arabian outfit is prepared to offer Balotelli a lucrative long-term deal that could run until 2028, with highly favourable personal terms. While no official announcement has been made, insiders suggest that the probability of the move materialising is high, especially given the player’s current free-agent status and Al Ettifaq’s ambition to add proven international experience to their ranks.
Balotelli’s potential move comes at a time when the Saudi Pro League continues to attract global attention by recruiting high-profile players from Europe and beyond. The league’s aggressive investment strategy has already lured several established stars, and Al Ettifaq’s interest in Balotelli is seen as part of a broader push to enhance competitiveness, visibility and global appeal.
The 35-year-old forward endured a difficult spell during his most recent stint with Genoa. Despite making 16 appearances for the Italian club, Balotelli failed to record a goal or an assist, struggling for consistency and regular impact. Nevertheless, his pedigree and past achievements continue to make him an attractive option for clubs seeking experience and name recognition.
Born in Palermo, Balotelli has enjoyed a long and eventful career that has taken him across some of Europe’s top leagues. He rose to prominence with , where he won domestic and European honours, before moving to . His time in England remains one of the most memorable chapters of his career, highlighted by his role in City’s historic Premier League title triumph.
Balotelli later had spells with , , and , as well as stints with Brescia and Monza in Italy. Outside the traditional European powerhouses, he also featured for Swiss side FC Sion and Turkish outfit Adana Demirspor, adding to his reputation as one of football’s most travelled and talked-about forwards.
Internationally, Balotelli represented Italy with distinction, earning caps for the Azzurri and playing a key role in their run to the final of the UEFA Euro 2012 tournament. Although of Ghanaian descent, he opted to represent Italy at senior level, becoming one of the most recognisable faces of Italian football during his peak years.
On the pitch, Balotelli is a right-footed centre-forward known for his physical strength, technical ability and powerful shooting. Over the course of his career, he has featured in Serie A, the Premier League, Ligue 1, the Turkish Super Lig and the Swiss Super League, gaining exposure to different playing styles and football cultures.
Al Ettifaq’s pursuit of Balotelli is widely viewed as a calculated gamble. While his recent form has been inconsistent, the club is believed to be banking on his experience, professionalism and potential to rediscover form in a new environment. The Saudi Pro League, with its growing competitiveness and reduced pressure compared to Europe’s elite leagues, could offer Balotelli an opportunity to revive his career and contribute meaningfully on the pitch.
For Al Ettifaq, the signing would not only boost their attacking options but also enhance their profile internationally. Balotelli’s global recognition, coupled with the league’s expanding broadcast reach, makes the potential deal attractive from both sporting and commercial perspectives.
As the winter transfer window approaches, attention will remain firmly on Balotelli’s next move. Should negotiations be finalised, his arrival in Saudi Arabia would mark yet another high-profile addition to the Saudi Pro League and a new chapter in the storied career of one of football’s most enigmatic forwards.
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