Forget Suarez, 3 Reasons Why Balotelli Is A Wonder Signing For Liverpool

Although Liverpool have spent wisely in their bid to replace Luis Suarez, they still haven’t quite got that X-factor in attack. They still don’t have a world-class striker that can strike fear in the hearts of his opponents in the same way Luis Suarez did. So, recent rumors that the club have agreed a fee with AC Milan for the services of Mario Balotelli is something that would surely please the Kop.

The 24-year-old striker not only the charisma to replace Suarez, but is also someone who has already played in England and knows what it is like. If Liverpool can agree personal terms and secure the services of Mario Balotelli they will finally have their world-class forward that they have been clamoring for, a striker who can lead the line and add pace, power and goals to the attack.

While it is true that Balotelli is a bit of a maverick, the pro’s far outweigh the con’s and his signature will surely put the Reds at an advantage in their bid to secure Champions League football. Here are three reasons why the Reds should go all out and sign the Italian striker who has already proclaimed that he is leaving AC Milan.

1. He would be an absolute bargain

If you are looking for a world-class striker to bolster your attack, the chances are that it is going to cost you a fortune. When a player like Shane Long (no disrespect intended) who is fairly limited in what he can do on the pitch goes for £12 million, there is little chance you will a get a world-class striker for anything less than at least double that amount. But Liverpool are reportedly on the verge of signing Balotelli for just £16 million, which is an absolute bargain in anyone’s books.

After this is a player who has scored 40 goals in his last 80 league games in the last three seasons playing for Manchester City and AC Milan. He is a four-time League winner, Champions League winner, has been capped 33 times by his country and has more Champions League experience of anyone in the current Liverpool squad barring Steven Gerrard. Add to all of this, the fact is he is only 24 makes this a no-brainer.

2. It is a win-win situation

One of the criticisms that might be levied at the Reds is the fact that Balotelli’s temperament is far from satisfactory and that his bad boy antics would only go onto demean the club. But, the simple truth is that for a club who stuck by Suarez, this shouldn’t be too difficult. While it is true that this is a gamble, it is a win-win situation for the club.

Having already signed Origi who will come in next year, all the Reds need is a signing for the upcoming season. If Balotelli does well and scores plenty of goals, then it will be a great deal. On the other hand, even if he struggles and fails to deliver on his promises, the club still have Origi coming in next season. They can offload Balotelli for at least half the price they bought him for, as there will still be clubs out there looking to take a gamble on him. So whether he succeeds or fails, he is still a smart investment by the Reds and one that will prove plenty of entertainment until he is around.

3. He is the marquee signing the Reds were after

Although the Reds have snapped up a whole host of talented players over the summer in their bid to replace Luis Suarez, one thing they haven’t been able to do is to snap up a marquee signing that will both please the fans and give the players a big boost. The club were reportedly chasing Radamel Falcao, but given the fee it would be required to sign the Colombian’ striker and the fact that he has his heart set on Real Madrid means that he wasn’t an option anymore.

But the signing of Balotelli will finally give the fans a huge boost as they will finally have the big summer signing that they were clamoring for. Even if he is being bought relatively cheaply, the star power Balotelli brings along with him is enormous and the talent that the 24-year-old possesses is beyond question. And that is just why this will be a huge boost to the Reds chances this season.