Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp currently has a surplus of strikers at Anfield, with as many as five central strikers vying for the one position in the starting XI. The German recently advised Mario Balotelli, one of his attacking players, to seek a move away from Merseyside.
The 25-year-old forward spent last season on loan with AC Milan, where he scored 3 goals in 23 appearances. He recently rejoined the Reds after the Rossoneri chose not to keep their former player at the San Siro on a permanent deal.
However, it isn’t going to be a happy return to Anfield for Balotelli. German manager Jurgen Klopp has now stated that the Italian striker should actively seek a move away from the club.
“It’s not the moment to talk of possible transfers because I have no answers and it could kill all talks by saying someone was 70% to sign him or whatever,” Klopp said, according to the Liverpool Echo.
“But I can talk of Mario because that one is obvious. I heard a lot about him ever since I came here.”
The Bundesliga winning manager stated that there were no issues with the Italian in training and he would try his best to get him back to the level he was at before his injury problems, but Balotelli wouldn’t figure much in his plans as he already has a wealth of options up front.
“But this is not a situation where he should be battling with other players like this for one position so it’s clear we need a solution.”
“There will be a club around who would be happy to have a new Mario Balotelli if you like.”
Liverpool already have the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi, Christian Benteke, Danny Ings, who are all pure central strikers, as well as other attacking players like Brazilian Roberto Firmino and recent acquisition Sadio Mane who can be used in that position.
Balotelli’s tally of four goals in 28 appearances in his only full season at Liverpool in 2014-15 is hardly inspiring. The Italian was brought in by former manager Brendan Rodgers, but looks almost certain to have no future under new manager and fan favourite Jurgen Klopp. The controversial striker is unlikely to be missed at Anfield, especially after his earlier comments claiming he was never happy at Liverpool in the first place.
