Mario Balotelli is poised to complete his move to the 14th club of his professional career, as he is on the verge of signing with Emirati club Al-Ettifaq.
The former Manchester City and Liverpool striker has been a free agent since leaving Italian club Genoa last summer, having joined them in October 2024 on a one-year contract. His time there proved short-lived.
Balotelli failed to make any significant impact upon his return to Italy, making only six league appearances for Genoa, all as a substitute, and not playing a competitive match since December 2024.
The 35-year-old appears set to return to the pitch via the Middle East with Dubai-based Al-Ettifaq, with reports indicating he will sign a two-and-a-half-year contract.
Balotelli is scheduled to fly to Dubai on Friday to finalize the deal, with his official registration with the Emirati club expected to begin on January 12.
It is worth noting that Al-Ettifaq plays in the UAE Second Division.
Al-Ettifaq is struggling this season, currently at the bottom of the table with only two wins and six points from 11 matches. The team’s attack has also been weak, scoring only six goals. Therefore, the club is pinning its hopes on the arrival of Balotelli to boost the team’s chances of avoiding relegation to the Third Division.
It is also worth mentioning that Al-Ettifaq is currently owned by Italian investor Pietro Laterza, who also owns Chievo Verona, a club in the Italian Fourth Division.
