Former Liverpool manager Graeme Souness has cautioned the club against signing Mario Balotelli, labelling the potential £16million move from AC Milan as an 'enormous gamble'. Writing in the Sunday Times, Souness expressed concerns that the Italian striker's arrival could disrupt the harmony within Brendan Rodgers' squad.
Souness, who managed Liverpool to FA Cup success in 1992, argued that Rodgers does not need to take such a risk given the strength of his current group. He predicted that the manager would spend more time dealing with Balotelli's behaviour than with the rest of the team combined.
The 24-year-old former Manchester City forward is reportedly close to a transfer to Anfield as Rodgers seeks to fill the void left by Luis Suarez's departure to Barcelona. However, Souness stated he would not sign Balotelli if he were still in charge, citing the player's inconsistent attitude and off-field issues.
Balotelli scored 30 goals in 80 appearances for City, including setting up Sergio Aguero's title-winning goal in 2012, but his time in England was marked by volatility. Souness described the potential signing as 'high-risk' and one that big teams can do without.
