Fabio Borini could reportedly return to the Premier League with Aston Villa after two seasons in Serie A with AC Milan.
Fabio Borini is used to criticism.
The cynics were out in force back in 2017 after all, when the goal-shy forward swapped relegated Sunderland for Italian giants AC Milan despite scoring just twice in the Premier League during a final, forgettable season at the Stadium of Light.
And, with Calciomercato claiming that Borini could be on his way back to England this summer, the credentials of this one-time Liverpool and Chelsea attacker are once again being debated, and doubted, on social media.
Aston Villa are reportedly interested with the 28-year-old available for £13 million. Crystal Palace are keen too with Milan expected to sell a player who simply doesn’t fit into new coach Marco Giampaolo’s plans.
But for all those taking aim at Borini’s rather underwhelming goal-scoring record (six in three years speaks for itself), it must be remembered that his realm is no longer the penalty area.
He has gone from an old-school poacher to a versatile and adaptable utility man who can play anywhere up front or out wide. He even played at wing back during his time at the San Siro.
So Aston Villa wouldn’t be signing Borini as a striker. Instead, he’d be a valuable squad member capable of plugging any gaps in Dean Smith’s squad.
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