OFFICIAL: Borini Returns

The ‘will he, won't he' saga has finally concluded.  It's now confirmed Fabio Borini has returned to Sunderland signing a four-year permanent deal.  The fee is officially undisclosed but reports suggest it could rise to around £10mil depending upon certain clauses being triggered. Speaking on the club website the Italian said of his return:

"I am delighted to be back at Sunderland. It is a club I know really well from my time here previously.  It will be emotional for me to play at the Stadium of Light again and I can't wait to get back on the pitch as a Sunderland player."

Director of Football Lee Congerton appears to be jubilant with the capture too, saying:

"Fabio is a player who I've known since he was 15 years old and I was fortunate enough to help recruit him to Chelsea. He has developed into a Barclays Premier League striker which we have already seen from his previous loan spell at the club, and we are delighted to have him here on a permanent basis."

Head coach Dick Advocaat has added:

"Fabio is a great addition to the squad who will make our front line stronger. He can play in a number of attacking positions which is a huge benefit to the team."

Borini will now wear the number 9 shirt and is likely to feature against Spurs at the Stadium of Light on 13^th September 2015.  It's hoped Borini will build upon his initial time on Wearside where he scored 7 goals in 32 appearances.  Although not prolific in the red and white stripes, he did score significant goals for us during important matches.  None more so vital than the derbies and the Wembley final.

Although once the initial euphoria has eventually cooled it's worth tempering our expectations somewhat.  The ex Liverpool striker has had limited game time since his return to Merseyside and it may take a little while for him to get back up to match fitness.  However let's hope Borini's arrival coincides with a rise up the Premier League table sooner rather than later.  Welcome home Fabio!