4+5=9

From one bad boy to another. 

The news that Liverpool had signed Balotelli would have come as a surprise not only for the Liverpool fans themselves, but for the whole of the premier league. 

With the expected and obvious departure of Suarez, Liverpool had plenty of transfer funds available for a replacement. And they haven't been shy in the market so far with the signings of Lambert, Lallana, Lovren, Manquillo, Can, Markovic and Origi they cannot say they haven't been active. But there was always this need, this desire to sign a world class striker. There was rumours of Falcao or Cavani filling the big name slot missing in the changing room but that's all it was, rumours. 

But on Thursdays 21st August news broke that Liverpool had lodged a £16m bid for Balotelli. Really? Him? He is a top player, prolific, direct and can deliver but unfortunately comes with 'baggage'. Was this the 'name' they have been looking for?

The Premier League was introduced to Balotelli when he signed for Manchester City in 2010 and to say the least, was a colourful career. He arrived from Inter Milan (after being seen wearing an AC Milan shirt) for a fee of £24m. He was involved in numerous altercations both on and off the pitch, training grounds bust ups and the emergency services. As a neutral he was fun to watch but a nightmare at the same time. 

Now with his arrival confirmed he will continue to wear the number 45 shirt which he has always worn, and his talent will shine through. But there is that doubt that he is a ticking bomb and it won't be long before he will be in the headlines again, for the wrong reasons. 

£16m for this talent may be a bit of good business but with it comes a level of uncertainty.