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Liverpool striker was a ‘disgrace’ in training after FSG forced manager to take transfer gamble

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Mario Balotelli joined Liverpool for £16m from AC Milan on this day in 2014 – having previously played for Manchester City and Inter Milan

“I think we have done a really smart piece of business here. This transfer represents outstanding value for the club.”

On the face of it, Mario Balotelli should have been everything Liverpool needed. In reality however, it turned out to be the complete opposite.

Sure, Balotelli had ‘baggage’, but £16m for a 24-year-old striker whose goals had already helped win domestic titles in Italy and England seemed like shrewd business.

Liverpool were in search of more firepower after world-class striker Luis Suarez left Anfield to join Barcelona for £75million in 2014 but that hunt proved to be rather problematic.


In the end, the Reds settled for Balotelli. It proved to be a disastrous call. Brendan Rodgers was renowned for his man-management skills, but managing the Italian proved to be a step too far even for him.

Rodgers insisted the club had done their due diligence over Balotelli and had received the assurances they wanted over his behaviour and commitment to the cause, with his agent Mino Raiola stressing the player himself knew he was in something of a ‘last chance saloon’.


“At the top level, yes”, Raiola admitted. “It’s either make or break now. If it goes wrong? Mario is 24 years old. He no longer has the alibi of his age. Now it’s up to him. Another flop is inadvisable.”

But four goals in 28 appearances across all competitions ended up being a meagre return and all the promises Balotelli made to the manager in his office prior to signing about knuckling down and committing to the team ethic were quickly broken.

And it didn’t take long for the Italian’s team-mates to start losing patience with him as one anecdote from Liverpool’s Premier League trip to Queens Park Rangers in mid October illustrates how the situation was unravelling.

“He barely moved”, one player told the Athletic. “A lot of the lads caned him but there was very little comeback other than a few scowls and ‘f*** you.’

“He didn’t try to justify anything or tell anyone else what they could be doing better. That’s always a sign that he’s not really thinking or interested.”

A succession of pitiful excuses meant he regularly missed training at Melwood, he disrupted sessions while he was there, failed to learn the names of key first-team players and Rodgers’ patience with him had snapped long before May 2015.

Rodgers, in his defence, openly admitted following his sacking at Liverpool that he did not have the last word on transfers at the time and the call to bring Balotelli to Anfield was not his.

“What we wanted and what we needed was a player who could really press at the top end of the field,” he revealed.

“It wasn’t just a goalscorer we were after. I felt Mario was someone who wouldn’t work for us. But come the end of the summer, we were struggling to get someone who could do the role we wanted. I think the ownership group thought that this could be a player I could develop.

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“They were thinking that maybe he is a £50m player that we can get for £16m. So, when the owners are wanting you to go down that route and there is no other options, then of course you give it a go.”

Anfield icon Steven Gerrard, whose 17th and final season at Liverpool coincided with Balotelli’s, spoke in his autobiography about how even from the start he had his doubts over whether his presence at Anfield could ever work out.

“In my last season, Brendan Rodgers came to me at Melwood one day in mid-August”, Gerrard recalled. “We had a chat on the training pitch. He said, ‘You know we’ve missed out on a couple of signings. I’m basically left with no option but to have a bit of a gamble.’

“Brendan paused before he spoke again: ‘The gamble is Mario Balotelli.’ My instant reaction was, ‘Uh-oh.’ I’d never met Balotelli but I’d heard all the stories about the indoor fireworks and Jose Mourinho describing him as an ‘unmanageable’ player.

“I could see that, in the right mood, he was a quality footballer but the rest of his career seemed like a spectacular waste of talent. That was my opinion of Balotelli.

“But I also had to admit that, when he played for Italy, he seemed able to switch on his gift like he was snapping on a bright light. When he scored the winner against England in the 2014 World Cup a month earlier he showed all the movement which made him so difficult to mark at his best. I told Brendan that, up close to him on the pitch, you could see that he was a big, powerful guy.

“Brendan must have sensed my underlying reservations because he spoke a little more about why he thought it could be worth the risk. Brendan implied that Balotelli didn’t have anywhere else to go — and it seemed as if Liverpool would be Balotelli’s last chance to shine at a major club. He would be offered a strict contract. Any bad behaviour would be punished.

“I reminded myself that I had always allowed every new player to come into the club with a clean slate. Balotelli’s reputation tested that resolve but I tried my best to be open-minded.

“After his promising debut against Tottenham he had lapsed in training and the subsequent games. His demeanour was very poor. I made up my mind pretty quickly after that about Balotelli.

“There was no friction between us. We got on fine. I still tried to help him and I kept looking for chances to praise him. But I could see Mourinho had been right when he said Balotelli is unmanageable.

“He is very talented with the potential to be world class, but he’ll never get there because of his mentality and the people around him. Balotelli’s always late, he always wants attention, he says the wrong things on social media.

“For me, he doesn’t work hard enough on a daily basis. You’re always fighting a losing battle with Balotelli. He does too many things wrong.”

And Gerrard was right to have his reservations as former Reds forward Rickie Lambert explained last year how the forward did not take training seriously and would ‘ruin the session’ when he got the chance to.

He said: “Brendan Rodgers brought in Mario Balotelli and put him in ahead of me, and it done my head in to be honest. I couldn’t understand.

“The way he used to train was a disgrace. Off the training pitch he’s quite infectious, a lovely lad. But his persona on the training pitch is not good.

“When he played he did try, and I have come across players with that attitude before, but they are usually good enough to get away with it, but he wasn’t.

“I just didn’t understand how Rodgers was letting him get away with it, and picking him ahead of me. It affected me directly, but it had a negative impact on the team.”

The Reds happily got rid of the Italian striker the following season on a free transfer to Nice, though FSG may have been spurned that their £16m gamble did not pay off and he never quite managed to become the £50m superstar they dreamt he could.

The whole sorry episode was a harsh transfer lesson for FSG.




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“‘He’s Going to Be So Excited!’ — Melissa’s Shocking Saturday Reveal for Isaac Has the Internet Buzzing”

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“‘He’s Going to Be So Excited!’ — Melissa’s Shocking Saturday Reveal for Isaac Has the Internet Buzzing”

“‘He’s Going to Be So Excited!’ — Melissa’s Shocking Saturday Reveal for Isaac Has the Internet Buzzing”

It started with a single line on Instagram — but within hours, the internet was ablaze with excitement.

Melissa Kearney, proud mum of rising star Isaac Kearney, took to her social media this week with a cryptic-yet-thrilling post that left fans spinning with anticipation:

“Can’t wait to surprise Isaac on Saturday with tickets to see Jamie 😎

He is going to be so excited!!!!🙌”


That was it — no emojis could contain the level of excitement now swirling around what this surprise might mean for Isaac.

 Who Is Jamie? And Why Is This a Big Deal?

While Melissa didn’t reveal much more, fans of Isaac already know the name Jamie isn’t just any name — it’s likely someone Isaac has adored for years. Could it be a favorite music artist? A legendary performer? A childhood inspiration?


“‘He’s Going to Be So Excited!’ — Melissa’s Shocking Saturday Reveal for Isaac Has the Internet Buzzing”

Speculations are flying, with commenters dropping hints like:

  • “Wait… is this THE Jamie from Isaac’s favorite playlist?”

  • “He’s going to cry when he finds out. Mark my words.”

And one fan simply said,

“I’d give anything to see Isaac’s face on Saturday.”

The Power of the Unexpected

What makes this moment so powerful is how grounded and real it is. Melissa didn’t announce it with cameras or a red carpet — just a genuine expression of motherly love, preparing a surprise that may become one of the most memorable days in Isaac’s life.

This isn’t just another celebrity kid surprise.

This is a mother knowing the heart of her child — and making it beat faster with joy.

 Why the Internet Can’t Get Enough

Isaac has been quietly building a fanbase of his own with his charm, intelligence, and contagious energy. Whether it’s videos, interviews, or casual clips with his family, people have fallen in love with his authenticity.

So now, with this surprise looming, everyone is watching.

Will he scream?
Will he cry?
Will we get to see his reaction?

No matter how it unfolds, one thing is clear:

Saturday is not just another day in the Kearney household.

It’s a moment that will be remembered, celebrated, and — thanks to Melissa — shared with the world.

Stay tuned — we’ll be following up with full coverage of Isaac’s reaction once the big surprise is revealed. And if you’re as curious as we are… keep your eyes on Melissa’s stories this weekend.




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Alexander Isak has made his feelings clear on Liverpool as bombshell transfer report drops

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Alexander Isak has been linked with a move to Anfield.

Alexander Isak has made his feelings clear on Liverpool as bombshell transfer report drops

Alexander Isak has already made his feelings clear about playing at Anfield amid reports linking him with a move to Liverpool.

After scoring 27 goals in 42 appearances across all competitions for Newcastle United during the 24/25 season, Isak has become one of the most sought-after players in world football.

Over the last few months, the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal, Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain have all been linked with the 25-year-old.

However, it has been claimed that a deal could be very difficult due to Newcastle’s reluctance to sell.


This week, a new report has stated that Liverpool remain interested in Isak but acknowledge that a deal is complicated.

According to Lewis Steele of the Daily Mail, who said: “Newcastle don’t want to sell Isak for cheap, it’ll have to be ballpark figure of: £130M-£140M.


“Are Liverpool realistically going to pay that in a summer where they signed Florian Wirtz? Hard to see, but I wouldn’t completely rule it out.”

Speaking back in 2024, Isak named Anfield as one of the best stadiums he has played in, which will be music to Liverpool fans’ ears.

He said to Sky Sports: “Anfield is good, very good.”

In another interview, Isak spoke about how he ‘really enjoys’ matches against Liverpool.

He said to The Gazette in March: “I really enjoy the games against Liverpool, because I think they’re not too different to ourselves, a high-pressing team and a direct team, which can lead to many counter-opportunities, and that’s the game I like.

“I think I’ve had pretty good success before, I feel good and enjoy playing against them.”

Taking to social media, Reds fans have come up with a new theory that could see Liverpool land Isak.

Supporters have pointed out that Newcastle wanted to sign Hugo Ekitike before they bought Isak. With the Frankfurt striker now available for a move, it could trigger a big transfer saga.

One fan said: “Low-key, an Alexander Isak sale actually makes a lot of sense for Newcastle. If they get £120m+, it could fund a proper rebuild—strengthen the defence, bolster the attack. Could replace him with Gyökeres or Ekitike and avoid having to sell Livramento.”

Another tweeted: “Newcastle are going to fleece us £130m+ for Isak and go and get (their original 1st choice target) Ekitike, while making a profit…..”

A third fan added: “A prediction: IF Alexander Isak heats up, don’t be surprised with this outcome. Isak to LFC, Ekitike to Newcastle.

“After all in Jan 2022 Newcastle almost signed Ekitiké with €46M offer that went down to the wire but he was young & decided to stay in France. The data points are similar.”

So far this summer, Liverpool have already signed Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen and are closing in on a club record deal to sign German international Florian Wirtz.

In addition, Bournemouth full-back Milos Kerkez is also heavily linked with a move to the champions.

Featured Image Credit: Getty

 

Watch Isaac Kearney

 




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Just Minutes Before the Chaos, Melissa Slipped Away with a Secret — A Third Kearney Was on the Way

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The 2024/2025 Liverpool Victory Parade was meant to be a day of pure celebration — the city pulsing with joy, red flags waving high, and dreams fulfilled after a season of glory. But for the Kearney family, that day would take a deeply emotional turn — one that revealed just how fragile and miraculous life can be.

Just before a car drove into Liverpool’s 2025 victory crowd, Melissa Kearney slipped away — carrying a secret that would soon bless her family forever.

While thousands lined the streets to celebrate Liverpool’s triumph, Melissa — mum of young Liverpool fan Isaac Kearney — made a quiet but life-saving decision. Feeling the weight of the crowd and the deeper weight of the life growing within her, she chose to step away from the parade before things took a dark turn.

“Being heavily pregnant in the crowd just wasn’t for me,” Melissa later wrote. So around 4PM, she left town with her children — Isaac and Florence — unaware that just moments later, chaos would erupt behind them.

Isaac Mum Melissa Gives Details on How Isaac and Florence Kearney Escaped Today’s Liverpool Parade Accident


News soon broke that a car had driven into the celebrating crowd, sending panic through the streets. Sirens wailed, people screamed, and what was meant to be a joyful celebration became a scene of fear.

“To then receive a phone call from their dad to tell me the news… the blood drained,” Melissa shared. “Luckily, my family members were able to get through doorways and get them to safety. The kids were frightened hearing sirens and seeing the horrific scenes.”


But through it all, one quiet truth remained: Melissa had left just in time — and she had left carrying a beautiful secret.

Isaac Kearney is about to become a big brother — again.

The Kearney family, already filled with love, is preparing to welcome a new little one — a third child who, even before birth, was shielded by a mother’s instinct and a divine sense of timing.

What could have been tragedy turned into testimony.

And now, as Isaac prepares to embrace his new role, the family celebrates not only Liverpool’s victory on the field — but a far more precious victory at home.




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“Isaac Kearney Honors Mohamed Salah on His Birthday with a Royal Tribute”

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Isaac Kearney Honors Mohamed Salah on His Birthday with a Royal Tribute

"Isaac Kearney Honors Mohamed Salah on His Birthday with a Royal Tribute"

In a touching gesture that captured hearts online, young Liverpool fan Isaac Kearney celebrated the birthday of his football hero, Mohamed Salah, with a heartfelt message that proves how deeply the Egyptian King continues to inspire fans across all generations.

On his official social media page — managed by his mother, Melissa — Isaac shared a simple yet powerful post:

Isaac Kearney birthday message to Mohammed Salah 

“Happy birthday to my King 👑 @mosalah”


Those few words, filled with admiration and loyalty, resonated with fans who understand just how much Salah means to the Liverpool family — and especially to young fans like Isaac.

Isaac, known among close followers for his vibrant love for football and especially for Liverpool FC, has always looked up to Salah. Whether it’s mimicking his goal celebrations in the living room or wearing the No. 11 jersey with pride, Isaac sees more than just a footballer in Mo Salah — he sees a role model, a legend, and a true king on and off the pitch.


Melissa, Isaac’s mum, who manages his page, shared the message with warmth and intentionality, showing how even the youngest fans have a voice in celebrating football greatness. “It’s more than just football,” she once said. “For Isaac, Salah represents discipline, humility, and greatness with grace.”

Salah, who turned 33 today, has built a legacy that extends far beyond goals and trophies. His impact on young hearts like Isaac’s shows the true power of sports — to inspire, to connect, and to lift others.

Though it was a short birthday wish, it carried the kind of royal weight only a true fan can give. From one king to another, Isaac’s message was a reminder that heroes live not just on the field, but in the way they shape the dreams of those who watch them.

Happy Birthday to Mohamed Salah — from Isaac, and from the countless hearts he’s inspired.

 

 




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Darwin Núñez’s Liverpool Exit Looms as Saudi and European Giants Circle

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Darwin Núñez’s Liverpool Exit Looms as Saudi and European Giants Circle

Darwin Núñez's Liverpool Exit Looms as Saudi and European Giants Circle

Darwin Núñez appears increasingly likely to part ways with Liverpool this summer, as serious interest builds from both Saudi Arabia and top European clubs. According to trusted transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the Uruguayan striker’s time at Anfield may be drawing to a close.

Clubs in the Saudi Pro League have been monitoring Núñez closely since the start of the year and are now preparing concrete offers. These proposals are expected to include highly attractive financial packages that could tempt both Liverpool and Núñez himself.

Meanwhile, Serie A giants Napoli have also emerged as a strong contender. The Italian side is reported to have made contact with Núñez’s representatives in recent days, identifying him as a key addition to strengthen their attack. Talks between the two parties are expected to intensify in the coming days.

Darwin Núñez's Liverpool Exit Looms as Saudi and European Giants Circle


At just 24, Núñez remains open to different possibilities. While the offers from Saudi Arabia are financially compelling, he is also seriously considering staying in Europe, with a focus on clubs that can offer both a strong sporting project and long-term growth.

As the summer transfer window heats up, Darwin Núñez’s future is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing sagas to follow.


 




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Liverpool

Liverpool’s dream starting XI next season looks unbeatable if two more signings take summer spending to £500m

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Arne Slot could field a seriously impressive team if Liverpool make complete two more stunning deals.

Liverpool's dream starting XI next season looks unbeatable if two more signings take summer spending to £500m

Liverpool could put together a seriously impressive lineup if they complete just two more dream signings this summer.

On May 30, Liverpool announced their first signing of what is expected to be a busy summer as Jeremie Frimpong was revealed as the club’s replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The move came amid rumours that the Reds are also pursuing a club-record deal for Frimpong’s former Bayer Leverkusen teammate Florian Wirtz alongside Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez.

But even after the expected deals for Wirtz and Kerkez are finalised, it is widely believed that Liverpool will continue to be active in the transfer market as Arne Slot looks to add to his Premier League winning squad.


And if they are able to pull off two more dream signings, then they could seriously be considered as the greatest team in the entire world.

Alongside the deals for Wirtz and Kerkez, it has been reported that Liverpool hope to bring in a new striker at some point over the summer, with the likes of Hugo Ekitike and Julian Alvarez both linked.


However, it has long been known that Newcastle United star Alexander Isak would be the club’s ideal signing should it become clear that a deal would be possible,

Reports earlier in the season claimed that the Magpies would demand a massive fee of more than £150million in order to facilitate a transfer for the Swedish international, who scored 23 Premier League goals in 34 appearances this season.

But with reports suggesting that Liverpool could sell one or both of Darwin Nunez or Luis Diaz for as much as £80m, such a high price tag may not be out of the question for the Reds.

Should Diaz leave the club, then Liverpool will no doubt explore the marker or a new winger to start on the left of their attack, and rumours have suggested that Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola is top of their list.

The 22-year-old has emerged as one of the most exciting young wingers in the world this season after impressing for the Champions League winners this season, making 58 appearances in all competitions despite not being a regular starter.

A report from The Guardian revealed that Liverpool would be willing to spend £100m on the Frenchman should they be open to letting him go when the summer transfer window reopens next week.

 

Liverpool's dream starting XI next season looks unbeatable if two more signings take summer spending to £500m

If Liverpool were somehow able to pull off incredible transfers, it is likely it would bring their total spend for the summer up to nearly £500m, although a lot of this would be offset by the expected sales of several players.

And in doing so, they would undoubtedly create would could be the best starting XI in all of football and potentially one of the most impressive Premier League sides of all time.




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Isaac Kearney’s Hearing Test Brings Hopeful News: A Journey Marked by Progress

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Little warrior Isaac Kearney continues to inspire everyone with his unwavering courage and steady progress.

Isaac Kearney’s Hearing Test Brings Hopeful News: A Journey Marked by Progress

In a recent update shared by his devoted mum, Isaac had another important appointment—this time for a hearing test and a review of his hearing aids.

The day began with optimism as Isaac headed off to the clinic with his ever-cheerful spirit. Later, his mum shared the results of the visit, and the news was truly heartwarming:

“Hearing test went well ☺️ — They actually said his hearing has improved slightly 😬”

In response to the encouraging results, Isaac’s hearing aids were carefully adjusted, and a follow-up appointment has been scheduled in three months for continued review and support.


This small but significant improvement is a powerful reminder of how far Isaac has come. From facing uncertainty about even being able to walk, to now actively engaging in life and appointments like any other child, his story continues to touch hearts and uplift spirits across the globe.

To every supporter who has stood by Isaac with prayers, kind words, and encouragement—thank you. Every positive update is a victory not just for Isaac and his family, but for everyone who believes in his journey.





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Liverpool fans claim Trent Alexander-Arnold is ‘already regretting move’ after hearing first Real Madrid supporters’ chant

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Liverpool fans are convinced that Trent Alexander-Arnold is regretting leaving the club after hearing the first chant from Real Madrid supporters.

Liverpool fans claim Trent Alexander-Arnold is 'already regretting move' after hearing first Real Madrid supporters' chant

Despite his contract expiring at the end of June, Real Madrid agreed to pay Liverpool a fee of £10million in order to register new signing Alexander-Arnold in time for the revamped Club World Cup which is set to get underway on Sunday.

Two weeks after the deal was officially announced, the defender is set to be officially unveiled as a Real Madrid player during a presentation at the Bernabeu on Thursday.

As Alexander-Arnold arrived for the presentation, dozens of Real Madrid fans waited outside to greet him, debuting their new chant for their star signing.

But it’s safe to say that Liverpool fans are not impressed with the chant, as they’ve claimed that Alexander-Arnold’s reaction shows that he is already regretting his decision to join the Spanish giants.


As he met with club officials outside a medical centre in Madrid, the 26-year-old was greeted by a group of fans chanting “Arnold” and applauding his arrival.

Footage of the chant comes a day after it was revealed that Alexander-Arnold would swap the iconic number 66 for the the number 12 due to La Liga rules stating that shirt numbers must fall between 1 and 25.


Surprisingly, the defender also decided to make a major change to his shirt as he will now wear his first name on the back of his shirt instead of his surname.

And Liverpool fans are convinced that Real Madrid supporters’ seemingly ignoring this ‘rebrand’ and continuing to chant part of his surname will undoubtedly frustrate the Englishman.

Writing on X, one fan posted a laughing emoji alongside: “Shouting “Arnold!” after he’s just rebranded everything to ‘Trent'”

While one claimed: “‘Arnold’ chants yeah man I know he’s regretting everything already”

And another wrote: “He used to have so much Aura, wtf happened.”

https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1933095758917501179

The 26-year-old is the second player to be unveiled by Real Madrid this summer, after former Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen was revealed as Xabi Alonso’s first signing at a presentation on June 10.

Although it is not yet known exactly when Alexander-Arnold will make his debut for the La Liga side, it is likely that it could happen as early as June 18 during Real Madrid’s Club World Cup clash against Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.




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