Hands up who imagined Mario Balotelli, he of Manchester City, Italy and Liverpool fame, playing a role in Leeds United’s January transfer window?
And fear not, Yorkshireites. This is not one of those Andrea Radrizzani-style vanity projects.
After Radrizzani spoke openly, and perhaps a little naively, about his attempts to lure Nicolo Zaniolo, Edinson Cavani, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and more to Elland Road, the San Francisco 49ers appear a little more grounded in their running of Leeds United. A little more realistic.
Mario Balotelli is certainly the sort of character that may have tempted Radrizzani, during his time in charge of the Championship leaders, like a moth to a hot flame.
But if the enigmatic former Inter Milan striker is to find himself sharing column inches with Leeds next month, it is likely to be with regards to a potential Elland Road exit for Patrick Bamford.
According to TeamTalk, Leeds’ number nine is a target for Serie A outfit Genoa. If that is surprising, links with big-spending League One duo Birmingham City and Wrexham are less so.
And Bamford could, if reports are to be believed, take the place vacated by Balotelli at the Grifone.
Leeds United’s Patrick Bamford linked with Genoa amid Mario Balotelli uncertainty
Gazzetta dello Sport claim that a decision will be made regarding the 34-year-old’s Genoa future at some point between now and New Year’s Day.
Balotelli has not scored in just 56 minutes of Serie A action since returning to his homeland. And with Mexican outfit Cruz Azul slapping down an offer of over £30,000-a-week, a player very much in the autumn of his career would be forgiven for seizing the chance to quintuple the wage he currently takes home at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.
Though if Genoa can only afford to fork out £6,000-a-week for Balotelli, then what chance do they realistically have of financing a deal for Patrick Bamford?
A pretty small one, according to TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey.
“He’s on a lot of money. Too much money for Genoa for sure,” Bailey explains to Leeds United News. “I don’t see in what any world.
“f course, Wrexham can afford him but we’re talking about a player on Premier League money. I don’t see what realm Wrexham can entertain Bamford. Birmingham? Sure. But they have Jay Stansfield on £40,000-a-week.
“People don’t realise how much Bamford is on. Huge money.”
Leeds willing to sell Bamford but not desperate to do so
Arguably now Daniel Farke’s third choice striker – Mateo Joseph has impressed while Joel Piroe fired Leeds past Stoke City on Boxing Day – Bailey believes that Leeds would not stand in Bamford’s way should an acceptable offer arrive.
“From what I understand, Leeds would be open to offers,” he adds. “But they’re not trying to kick him out the door. Balancing the books is a concern, but it’s all eyes on promotion.
“They don’t want anyone out that can impact promotion. It’s a happy camp. We’re not talking [Wilfried] Gnonto or [Luis] Sinisterra, threatening strikes. Bamford’s not like that. hHe’s a good player for the camp.
“Leeds would consider [selling], but they’re not desperately trying to get rid of him.”
Before Leeds’ 4-0 thumping of Oxford United a week ago, Daniel Farke spoke out about Patrick Bamford’s lack of opportunities in recent months.
The former Norwich boss remains an admirer of the experienced striker, though a series of injuries appear to have taken their toll.
“It is beneficial for him to work on fitness in training,” Farke told reporters. “[Bamford has had] several weeks back in training. He works on his fitness, sharpness.
“A fit Patrick Bamford is a good option.”
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