DC United: Mario Balotelli could be an incredible move
By Daniel Garza
DC United is going to be on the move this summer as reports surfaced that Mario Balotelli is one of their key targets, which would be massive.
Sports Illustrated reported that Mario Balotelli’s agent had been contacted by DC United. This news comes after it was announced that majority Erick Thoir is selling his stake in the club to Patrick Soon-Shiong and Jason Levien, among others.
DC United appears ready to bring in top-level talent this summer, with only one Designated Player on the current roster there is room for two more players. That’s where Balotelli comes in, the Italian striker will be out of contract with Nice in Ligue 1 following the conclusion of the season.
Mario Balotelli has been a bit of a journeyman in European football over the years. He has played for five main clubs over the past 11 years, which includes Inter Milan, AC Milan, Liverpool, Manchester City, and his current club Nice.
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His career has been marred by controversy and disciplinary issues. His accumulation of red cards with Manchester City was one of the many issues the striker faced with manager Roberto Mancini. Additionally, he faced issues with Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan and the supporters of the club as well.
More recently, Nice manager Lucien Favre questioned Mario Balotelli’s desire to play for the club as the Ligue 1 season winds down.
Incidents like these are what make this potential move one of redemption for Balotelli. He has not been able to thrive in Europe due to a mixture of his own devices and his relationship with coaching staffs. DC United could be his way out of what has been a disappointing last few years of his career. A new start in a new league would seem to do him well.
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DC United is in need of a striker and with 21 goals this season in all competitions Balotelli has led Nice in scoring. He provides an immediate solution to DC’s need and gives the club an international figure who is well known around the world.
As a free transfer, Balotelli is going to attract attention from clubs all over the world. At 27, he can still give some of the top clubs in Europe a helping hand and his goal production as not changed which will make him an attractive target.
His agent has stated that he is in talks with such clubs as Inter Milan and Juventus. If a return to Italy is in sight then it is a bit hard to see Balotelli heading to Major League Soccer over Serie A. His return to his home country would be a bit of redemption as well seeing as how he has not played there since 2015.
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The right price and pitch may be what takes Balotelli to DC, but for now, it’s going to a game of waiting for supporters as one of the top strikers in Ligue 1 makes his decision.