Only a handful of Italian strikers have made the top grade in the Premier League ever since its inception in 1992. There seems to be a strange pattern how players from Italy have moved to England and then later returned to their native country. Fabio Borini’s current experience is something similar.
The 23 year old rejected several offers in the summer transfer window to fight for his place in the starting line-up at Liverpool. AC Milan were interested in him while Sunderland had earlier offered the Reds £14m for his services. But the player personally turned down both of those offers.
Borini was Brendan Rodgers’ first major signing after arriving at Merseyside in 2012. However, he has failed to make an impression and was loaned out to Sunderland last season. Borini made a significant impression at the Stadium of Light under Gus Poyet. The striker scored 7 goals and grabbed a couple of assists in 32 appearances. He was also instrumental in the Black Cats’ impressive run to the FA Cup final, where they eventually lost to Manchester City.
This season through he has made only a couple of appearances at Liverpool and despite Mario Balotelli struggling to hit form, Rodgers has inexplicably left Borini out of the starting eleven. Reports from Italian Media outlet TMW have claimed that Borini is now frustrated at Anfield over the lack of opportunities. The striker was not even on the bench during the Champions League clash against Real Madrid in midweek.
It is believed that a return to Italy is likely in the January transfer window. AC Milan are interested after Fernandto Torres has failed to impress while Inter are also on the lookout for a striker. Adding to list of potential suitors are Fiorentina and this season’s surprise package Sampdoria who also reportedly want a striker in the upcoming transfer window.
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