According to a recent report by L’Arena, Aston Villa are showing interest in securing the signature of Hellas Verona winger Fabio Borini when the transfer window reopens later this year. However, the same source has also claimed that the Villans will face stiff competition from Crystal Palace and Fiorentina in pursuit of the former Liverpool and Sunderland striker.
Borini’s Frustrating Season In Italian Football
Borini has endured a frustrating campaign in the Serie A after initially struggling to get enough game time at the San Siro. However, he decided to join Hellas Verona on a free transfer back in January. The Italian has gone on to make six appearances for his new employers in the league while scoring two goals in the process. Despite his recent struggles, the Serie A wide player put in a memorable display in the 2-1 win over Juventus earlier this year when he helped his team pull off a come-from-behind upset versus the reigning champions of Italy.
The Bentivoglio-born talent has averaged 3.3 shots, 0.5 key passes and 0.8 per game in the Italian first division this season which goes to show just how active he can be in the final third even with limited playing time under his belt (stats via whoscored). It’s high time that a club took a chance on Borini as he still might have a lot to offer at the highest level.
The 29-year-old has represented Italy at various youth levels but has only got one senior cap for his country to show for his efforts. Maybe if he can somehow manage to find some form by sealing a return to the Premier League, then he will be able to catch the attention of Italy boss Roberto Mancini ahead of the UEFA European Championship finals, which will now take place in the summer of 2021 after the postponement of the competition due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
What Will The Italian Wide Player Bring To The Table?
Borini is a well-rounded forward who has struggled to find consistency at the top level. He can use his mobility to make a few driving runs in behind the opposition backline. The one-time Italy international can also use his experience to get into some promising positions in the final third and has the skillset to be a real menace for the opposition defenders. He is a hard-working attacker who can operate in multiple positions across the frontline. Borini has often been used as a left-winger this season, but he can also fill in on the right flank or play as a centre-forward down the middle.
His remarkable versatility, coupled with his tireless work ethic, make him a worthy option for the Villans to target this summer. Even if they end up suffering relegation from the Premier League, Dean Smith should consider orchestrating a move for Borini as he could be a useful asset in the EFL Championship. However, the jury is still out on whether the Italian has what it takes to cope with the physicality and high intensity of English football.
Is Borini A Good Option For The West Midlands Giants?
If his past spells in England are anything to go by, then the West Midlands outfit would be taking a gamble if they decide to sign the Serie A dribbler this summer. Either way, Villa are in dire need of new recruits right now as some of their current attacking options like Wesley Moraes, Borja Bastón and Mbwana Samatta have all struggled to find consistency with their performances this season. Considering the difficult circumstances that Smith currently finds his team in, Borini could serve as a decent short-term option for the Villans to consider ahead of the new season.
