Mario Balotelli in the third tier?! Ex-Man City and Liverpool striker offers himself to lower league Spanish team after miserable Genoa spell

Former City and Liverpool striker Balotelli has reportedly been offered to Murcia, a club currently playing in Spain’s Primera Federacion. According to Cadena SER, the offer came via his representatives during a meeting with club owner Felipe Moreno in Madrid. Though talks have taken place, strong doubts remain over his wages, image rights and fitness, putting the proposed deal in doubt.

While the Italian international's arrival in Spain would undoubtedly be a marketing coup, boosting shirt sales, fan engagement, and media attention, Murcia must tread carefully. The club is wary of destabilising the dressing room or upsetting their financial equilibrium. His past spells at Genoa, Adana Demirspor, and Sion were hit-and-miss, and memories of the failed Royston Drenthe experiment still linger. Though Balotelli's star power is undoubted, Murcia must decide whether it's a gamble worth taking.

Balotelli has not played a competitive match since December 2024, during his short spell with Genoa. He made just six appearances, totalling only 60 minutes without scoring. Once hailed as Italy’s next great No. 9, the "Super Mario" made his senior Azzurri debut at just 18 and went on to score 14 goals in 36 caps. He was part of Man City’s iconic 2011–12 Premier League title-winning team, famously assisting Sergio Aguero’s stoppage-time goal against QPR. His most prolific club spell came at Nice between 2016 and 2019, where he netted 43 goals in 86 appearances.

Balotelli’s “Why always me?” shirt celebration after scoring in the 2011 Manchester derby remains one of football’s most iconic moments, highlighting both his flair and self-awareness. Despite his off-field antics, managers like Jose Mourinho and Roberto Mancini have described him as one of the most naturally gifted players they’ve coached.

Balotelli remains under contract with Genoa until June 2025, but his exit seems imminent. If the Spanish club choose to take the gamble, the deal would need to overcome financial and physical concerns. If not, Balotelli may need to look elsewhere for one last shot at redemption, or risk drifting further from the football spotlight.