Sometimes they come back, it’s worth saying. Mario Balotelli is getting closer to returning to Serie A after 4 years. The last time was with Brescia in the year of Covid (2020). Now Genoa awaits him, who is looking for reinforcements to avoid relegation to Serie B after the many problems that have hit the 777 Partners fund and the consequent putting up of the company for sale. While waiting for buyers, the rossoblù managers are working to strengthen the squad, drawing from the free agent pool. The signing of attacking midfielder Gaston Pereiro (contract until June 2025) is expected today and Super Mario could also arrive this week, who has already given his approval for a 9-month agreement. Yet another challenge in Balo’s career who wants to silence the skeptics and demonstrate that at 34 years of age he can still be decisive in Italy. For this reason he is ready to accept a very low salary (around 250 thousand euros plus bonus) to get back into the game. Juve will have to add an extra zero to protect Federico Gatti: the Juventus centre-back is preparing to extend his contract until 2029 with the Vecchia Signora.
The only thing missing is Mattia Perin’s signature (2026 with option for 2027); while the issue of Dusan Vlahovic’s renewal will only be addressed in December. The theme is always the same: the Bianconeri would gladly extend their relationship with the Serbian center forward until 2028, but are asking the number 9 to make a sacrifice, i.e. to spread their emoluments (12 million per year until 2026) over a four-year contract worth 9 net per season. Will he accept the class 2000 bomber jacket? We will see. Reflections in progress.
The one who seems inclined to say yes to the extension proposal received is Mike Maignan. In fact, the French goalkeeper is close to an agreement with Milan to continue together until 2028 for 6 million per year (bonuses included). Optimism. The same one that accompanies the Devil and Matteo Gabbia (2029): a salary adjustment from the current 1.1 to 2 million per season is ready for the AC Milan Captain Future. A question to be discussed, however, with Theo Hernandez, who has been waiting for concrete proposals for months. The French full-back would like to stay, but expects an increase compared to the current 5 million received. Will Furlani and Ibrahimovic give it to him? AC Milan’s silence in recent months – as reiterated by his agent Quilon to QSVS – is worrying. Just as there is an air of farewell for captain Calabria, whose contract expires in June and who no longer seems to be part of the plans of the club in via Aldo Rossi.
Only the signature is missing, however, for the
Dumfries’ renewal with Inter until 2028: the Dutchman will earn 4 million plus bonuses per season. Finally, an appointment at the end of the month between Napoli and the agents of Meret and Kvaratskhelia. De Laurentiis aims to lock down both.
