Transfer Centre

Mario Balotelli, Andros Townsend in line for moves to Turkey?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 15 September 2023

Balotelli, Townsend in line for moves to Turkey?

Mario Balotelli and Andros Townsend are reportedly both in line to complete transfers to Turkish clubs before the closure of their transfer window on Friday.

Mario Balotelli is reportedly in line to secure a reunion with Adana Demirspor before the end of the Turkish transfer window.

While the majority of Europe has already closed for business until January, clubs in Super Lig have had over two weeks longer to conduct further deals.

Of the transfers that may be finalised on Friday, Balotelli could be at the centre of the most notable with Ajansspor claiming that the Italy international is on the brink of another stint with Demirspor.

Last summer, Balotelli penned a two-year contract with Swiss side Sion and went on to score six goals from 18 appearances in the Super League.

However, Sion were relegated at the end of that season, contributing to the decision being taken to release the 33-year-old by mutual consent earlier this week.

Brescia forward Mario Balotelli pictured in October 2019 © Reuters

Balotelli now appears to be ready to return to Demirspor, who he represented before his surprise transfer to Switzerland in August 2022.

During his previous spell, the former Inter Milan, Manchester City, AC Milan and Liverpool frontman chipped in with 19 goals and seven assists from just 35 appearances in all competitions.

Meanwhile, the same outlet are reporting that former Everton winger Andros Townsend could be close to signing for Konyaspor.

Townsend missed the entirety of the 2022-23 campaign as he recovered from a serious knee injury, eventually returning to make one 45-minute outing for Everton Under-21s in Premier League 2 in May.

Everton's Andros Townsend during the warm up before the match, on February 8, 2022 © Reuters

Nevertheless, it came as no surprise when Everton opted against handing the 32-year-old a new contract once his old one had expired at the end of June.

The former England international has been training with fellow Turkish side Fatih Karagumruk but a deal was not reached between the relevant parties.

Instead, Townsend is mulling over whether to accept an offer from Konyaspor or remain as a free agent for the time being.

Konyaspor currently sit in second place in the Super Lig standings having collected eight points from four matches.