Home » Teams » Crystal Palace » Crystal Palace signing this Serie A outcast would add much-needed experience up front

Crystal Palace signing this Serie A outcast would add much-needed experience up front

Why Fabio Borini would be a good addition to Crystal Palace’s squad

Reports in Italy (h/t Chronicle Live) suggest that Crystal Palace are interested in signing AC Milan winger Fabio Borini.

Borini is keen on moving away from AC Milan in search of first-team action in January and is eyeing a return to Premier League, with Crystal Palace interested in him, according to the report.

The Italian came through the ranks of Chelsea’s youth system. He played for Liverpool and Sunderland previously in England before switching to San Siro in 2017.

Fabio Borini (Getty Images)
Fabio Borini (Getty Images)

Borini made 93 appearances in two separate spells with Sunderland between 2013 and 2017. In the process, he scored 17 goals for the Black Cats, including a memorable winner in the Wear-Tyne derby in 2013.

The left-footed winger is known for his toughness on the pitch. Though he started his career as a centre-forward, Borini became a fan favourite at Sunderland by playing on the flanks.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace made a good start this season. But just one win in their last 5 games, Palace have found it difficult to move into the top half of the table.

Roy Hodgson (Getty Images)
Roy Hodgson (Getty Images)

At the moment, Roy Hodgson’s men are finding it difficult to score goals. They have found the back of the net only 13 times in 14 games this term, with summer signing Jordan Ayew (4) being their top scorer.

If there would be one key area where Hodgson has to improve, that would be the frontline. Christian Benteke and Connor Wickham have seen limited game time while Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend haven’t scored much.

Borini has a wealth of experience in England, who could be vital for the Eagles. If Borini joins Crystal Palace, he would be able to link up with his former Sunderland teammates Patrick van Aanholt and Connor Wickham.

Fabio Borini (Getty Images)
Fabio Borini (Getty Images)

The Italian is a physical and speedy player, with a versatile skillset that allows him to be deployed as a winger, midfielder and also as a right-back. The Eagles boss would have a variety of options in one player who can bring stability to the team.

After adapting to play on the flanks, Borini has put in crosses at a decent rate for his teammates. Playing alongside the likes of Ayew, Townsend and Zaha, the veteran could be vital in raising their spirits and help the team perform well.

Read more

Verdict

The Italian has a few more years left and the best of him could be brought out if Hodgson manages to bring him to Selhurst Park. His presence would surely boost up the confidence around the team, which is the need of the hour for the Eagles.

Fabio Borini (Getty Images)
Fabio Borini (Getty Images)

In Borini, Hodgson will be able to develop a different dimension to the team’s attack and his experience would be useful in demanding situations. Therefore, he must be added to their squad in January.