Fabio Borini to get Permanent Shirt at Sunderland
By Opeyemi Oladunjoye
Liverpool have agreed a £14m deal to sell striker Fabio Borini to Sunderland FC.
Borini, 23, spent last season on loan at the Black Cats and helped them avoid relegation, scoring 10 goals during his stint at the Stadium of Light and picked up the club’s young player of the year award.
The Italy international, who moved to Anfield from Roma for about £11m in July 2012, was Brendan Rodgers’ first signing as Liverpool boss. He however struggled to make an impact on Merseyside as he scored just two goals in the 2012-13 campaign before his loan move to Sunderland.
His first goal for Gus Poyet’s side was the winner in the derby against Newcastle in October 2013, and he scored four goals in their final five league games of last season – including a winner against Premier League title chasers Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Borini also helped Sunderland reach the Capital One Cup final although, despite scoring the opener at Wembley, Sunderland lost as they were beaten by Manchester City.
The striker had returned to Liverpool for pre-season and started in the club’s first pre-season friendly, which was a 2-1 defeat away at Danish club Brondby on Wednesday, before a fee for his transfer was agreed.
If he completes the move, he will become Sunderland’s fourth summer signing following the arrivals of midfielder Jordi Gomez from Wigan, defender Billy Jones from West Brom and keeper Costel Pantilimon from Manchester City.
