The Italian forward was signed during the summer by Brenden Rodgers for £16m and has so far been a disappointment, still yet to open his Premier League account with the side.
After being substituted at half-time following a woeful display against Real Madrid, it seems former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has seen enough to make the judgement that Balotelli will not stay with the club beyond this season.
“I can’t change the way I feel about Balotelli, and that is nothing to do with what he’s done in a Liverpool shirt. It’s what he’s done at Manchester City and AC Milan,” he told Sky Sports after the Reds’ 3-0 loss on Wednesday evening.
“Do I think he’s going to be here long-term? No, I’d be surprised to see him here next season if I’m being honest.
“It was a panic. They were on the verge of selling [Fabio] Borini to Sunderland and they were going to go into the season with Rickie Lambert really. Daniel Sturridge is there but he’s got massive injury problems – he always has and he always will.
“We needed someone. Who was available? Who knows who Brendan Rodgers and his scouting staff went for but they left it too late.”
By Phil Wellbrook
