Liverpool’s Italian striker Fabio Borini looks set to join fellow countryman Paolo Di Canio’s Sunderland on loan.
The £10.5 million striker, who joined Liverpool from Roma just last summer, only managed two goals last season as his season was disrupted by shoulder and foot injuries. With the arrival of Iago Aspas and Luis Alberto forcing Borini down the pecking order, the deal is a chance for Borini to get much needed game time.
A former Chelsea youth player, Borini first shot to prominence during a loan spell under current Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers at Swansea and helping them to promotion to the Premier League and earning himself a return to Italy with Roma. Borini was a regular up front for Roma and managed 10 goals in 26 games which got him his move to Liverpool. Borini is also a full Italian international winning just one cap so far and making the Italian Euro 2012 squad as well as being voted on the team of the tournament at the most recent European U21 Championships.
Di Canio is in for Borini following his scathing remarks following his team’s 3-1 defeat at Crystal Palace which left them with just a solitary point from their opening 3 games. He has made it no secret of his desire to bring in more bodies for his squad. Borini is the typical Di Canio player – hard working with great fitness levels. There are questions marks over his ability in front of goal with many Liverpool fans questioning whether he was a true out and out goal scorer. His link up play and technique can leave a lot to be desired. However, Borini has the ability and mentality to really make an impression on Sunderland and the Premier League this season and could be the man to help Sunderland go far this year.
Do you think this is the final Sunderland signing? Will Borini be a success? Let me know.