Mario Balotelli turned down by Kerala Blasters ahead of ISL 24-25 season

Kerala Blasters have turned down the opportunity to sign Mario Balotelli as a free agent. The former Italy international is currently without a club, and the Blasters were asked about their interest in the striker.

However, as per Marcus Mergulhao of TOI, the forward was never a realistic target for the club. Two key reasons emerged which led to them turning down the opportunity – first, his disciplinary record, and his status.

Kerala Blasters choose not to sign Mario Balotelli

Day 1

Kerala Blasters were asked of their interest in signing Italian striker Mario Balotelli. Given the maverick striker’s status and disciplinary record, the club did not pursue this as it was not a realistic target. Balotelli is currently without a club.#TransferSecrets

— Marcus Mergulhao (@MarcusMergulhao) September 8, 2024

The 34-year-old is without a club after leaving Turkish club Adanya Demirspor at the end of last season. He returned after spending a year at Swiss club Sion, and scored seven goals in 16 games in the Turkish Lig.

However, things didn’t work out for them again, with the additional incident of him lighting a small firework in the dressing room earlier this year. As a result, other clubs are wary of investing in him given his track record of being unable to stay disciplined.

With the new ISL season set to begin on September 21, the yellow army will be one to watch as they attempt to end their trophy drought this year under new leadership.