09.08.2019 - 13:49 | Source: Sky Italia/Marca/TM | Reading Time: 1 mins

£14.4m for 18 months

Flamengo closing in on Balotelli - most valuable free agent to move to Brazil

With the acquisitions of free agent veterans Rafinha (33) and Filipe Luís (34), the Spaniard Pablo Marí (25) and the £10.6 million capture of Gerson (22), Flamengo already signed four players from Europe this summer. Their biggest coup is yet to happen, however, according to Sky Italia. There are reportedly only details and image rights to be sorted out to reach a deal with former Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli (28).

Balotelli, who is currently the most valuable free agent after his contract with Olympique Marseille ran out in June, would earn almost £5.1 million for an 18-month spell at the Brazilian club, according to Spanish newspaper Marca. In addition, he would receive a £9.3 million signing fee. Flamengo president Rodolfo Landim already confirmed an interest in the former Italy international a few days ago, when he called Balotelli an “excellent player”.

If the 28-year-old joins the six-time Brazilian champions, he could form a strike partnership with former Inter forward Gabriel Barbosa (22), who already scored 9 goals in 10 matches in the Brazilian Série A this season.

Balotelli & Co. - the most valuable free agents

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