Balotelli to Liverpool: seven ways of looking at shock deal

How will Brendan Rodgers handle the Italian, and how will he fit the Liverpool system?

Liverpool transfer target Mario Balotelli
(Image credit: FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP/Getty Images)

What to make of Liverpool's efforts to sign Mario Balotelli? Initial reactions to news of the deal have ranged from surprise to delight, while others sought to understand how the madcap Italian striker would fit into Brendan Rodgers's plans.

Despite the air of disbelief around the move, the former Manchester City player has reportedly said his farewells to his current club, AC Milan, ahead of his proposed switch to Merseyside. Initial reports suggested that a season-long loan was on the cards but others believe the striker has been offered a five-year contract. The fee is rumoured to be around £16m.

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