by Dave Usher for ESPN
A few weeks back during Liverpool's preseason tour of the U.S., Brendan Rodgers made some flattering remarks about Mario Balotelli, sparking speculation that the Reds wanted to sign the controversial Italian striker.
Speculation, it should be said, that an incredulous Rodgers was quick to dismiss out of hand. "I can categorically tell you Mario Balotelli will not be at Liverpool," the Reds boss said on the eve of Liverpool's game against Manchester United in Miami.
Fast-forward a few weeks and Liverpool have signed the former Inter and Manchester City star. So what changed? Only the top brass at Liverpool will know for certain, but the most likely scenario is that having been left frustrated in attempts to land any of the forwards he actually did want, Rodgers turned to Balotelli.
Radamel Falcao and Edinson Cavani were targets but proved to be unattainable and it was looking like free agent Samuel Eto'o was Liverpool's last remaining option. At 16 million pounds, Balotelli will cost significantly more than Eto'o but clearly represents a significant upgrade on the veteran Cameroon man.
Even so, it seems a bizarre move by Liverpool, especially given Rodgers' comments in Miami. Indeed, some would even say it smacks of desperation. Three weeks ago Rodgers laughed off the mere suggestion he might be interested in the player, yet now he's ready to spend millions not only on taking Super Mario to Anfield, but also making him one of the club's highest-paid players in the process.
It's perhaps the most unlikely transfer of the summer, and it could just as easily turn out to be the best as it could the worst. There's rarely much in between where Balotelli is concerned.
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