Mario Balotelli to Barnsley FC: Why Valerien Ismael's demands would make a deal for controversial free agent difficult

The Yorkshire Post understands there has been contact between the former Liverpool, Manchester City and Italy striker's representatives and the Championship club, but it is being reported the 30-year-old has now cooled on the idea, and is looking at other options to resurrect a career which has failed to deliver on its massive promise.

Improving their attacking options is something Ismael has been looking at since arriving at Oakwell in October, but he has always made clear he would not compromise on the fitness demands he puts on his players. Balotelli was released by previous club Brescia in the summer for repeatedly missing training in June and July, and is now training with Serie D side Franciacorta.

Like predecessor Gerhard Struber, Ismael plays an energetic “gegenpress” style, and the Frenchman likes his front three to switch positions. It has brought three wins in his first four Championship games for a team which had none this season until he arrived, and six goals.

The transfer window closed for 2020 before Ismael arrived, meaning that until the new year the only players who can be added to the squad are those out of contract before it shut. Given the financial difficulties posed by the coronavirus pandemic there are plenty to choose from, but the Reds coach is wary of them.

Asked about potential recruits on his arrival, Ismael said: “It's not easy because you can only take free agents so the players are not fit and to play the football I want to, you need 100 per cent fitness. I want to have the feeling that a guy is 100 per cent ready for my philosophy, and not that he needs six to eight weeks to be fit.”

Balotelli is primarily a centre-forward, but has also been used on either wing. Fourteen international goals in 36 Italy caps hints at his ability, but even that falls short of the promise he showed as a youngster.

Much to the frustration of Struber and Daniel Stendel at times, recruitment is not part of the Barnsley coach's remit, although it is not unreasonable to think Ismael would be consulted about potential signings.

Barnsley's co-chairman Chien Lee was chairman of Nice when Balotelli played for the Ligue 1 side between 2016 and 2019. His 43 goals in 76 appearances is his best return in a colourful career which has also taken in Lumezzane, both Milan clubs, Marseille, Brescia and two spells in England.

Balotelli won a Premier League title during two-and-half often tempestuous seasons with Manchester City. He has not played in England since the 2014-15 season with Liverpool, but was linked with a move to Watford in October.

If Balotelli is to return to England, it looks unlikely to be at Barnsley, and with every passing week Ismael's fitness demands make the chances of the Reds adding to their squad before January slimmer – particularly if they can continue the form they have shown since his arrival.

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