CONFIRMED: Liverpool Complete Mario Balotelli Deal

There’s little surprise in this news after he was pictured training with the squad at Melwood earlier today, but Liverpool have officially announced the signing of Mario Balotelli from AC Milan on a long term deal.

After an initial loan inquiry was turned down, the two sides worked quickly to hash out a permanent move for a fee believed to be in the region of £16mil — an amount that any side would be crazy not to hand over for the talented Italian’s services. “This transfer represents outstanding value for the club and I think we have done a really smart piece of business here,” Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers told the clubs official website. “There is no doubting Mario’s ability; he is a world-class talent and someone who, for such a young age, has vast experience of playing at the very highest level.”

The 24-year old is the Northern Irishman’s eighth signing of what’s been an extremely busy summer and is being seen as a replacement for talismanic — but troubled — striker Luis Suarez who departed for Barcelona last month in a big money move. The Uruguayan was one of the driving factors behind the Reds being in the title picture last season, and though his 31-league goals will be hard to replace, Rodgers believes that Balotelli will score more than his fair share.

“He has scored goals in the Barclays Premier League, in Italy, in the Champions League and for his country at international level” he said with a smile. “I am looking forward to working with him and helping him learn more, improve and progress as a player. I’m sure the supporters will make him feel very welcome.”

Welcome to Merseyside Mario.