Liverpool striker Fabio Borini’s agent claims the player is happy to remain at Liverpool, and he feels he is finally beginning to make progress at the club.
Having worked with him at both Chelsea and Swansea City, Brendan Rodgers made the Italian his first signing when he succeeded Kenny Dalglish as Anfield head coach in the summer of 2012. However, he scored just two goals in 20 appearances in all competitions in his debut season, which ended in February when he suffered a dislocated shoulder.
With Daniel Sturridge and Luis Suarez forging a fine partnership, Borini spent the duration of the 2013-14 campaign on loan at Sunderland. After scoring 10 goals in 40 outings, the Black Cats were keen to take him on a permanent basis and had an offer accepted for his signature during the summer, only for the 23-year-old to turn down the move.
Borini, though, continues to be linked with a move away from the Merseyside club, with Queens Park Rangers also said to be amongst his admirers. However, his agent insists the Italy international, who has one cap for his country, is staying with his current club, where he believes he is making progress despite playing just three times this term.
“I am certainly not going to look for another club, as the boy is happy to remain at Liverpool,” said Marco de Marchi. “Let’s not forget he left a journey he already started at Roma to come to England. He has managed to find some space playing in the [UEFA] Champions League and starting in the Premier League. Things are progressing as expected.”
Whilst it is still taking Borini time to really make his mark at Liverpool, new signing Lazar Markovic also admits he is still finding his feet in England. The Reds spent £20million on the 20-year-old Serb during the summer, and he has played just six times so far. But the forward remains confident in his ability, and has asked for more time to prove his worth.
“You know how things go in football, I’m getting there and adjusting well,” he told Mondo. “It will take a little more time but, all in all, I feel okay. I feel great there and everybody has been great with me. I could not wish for more. I’m happy and that is the most important thing. The fans love me and Anfield is great. But, as I said, I just need a little bit more time.”
Both Borini and Markovic could perhaps take heart from Jordan Henderson. The midfielder also struggled upon his £16million move from Sunderland to Liverpool in the summer of 2011, but the 24-year-old has now established himself as a key member of Rodgers’ plans as well as those of Roy Hodgson at England, and he is being rewarded with a new contract.
“I am just concentrating on playing football. I am not worried about that,” said Henderson, who has now racked up over 140 appearances for the club in all competitions, and also has 15 caps. “I am enjoying my football, I love this club and I want to be here for many years so that shouldn’t be an issue. I’ll let my agent sort that out, it’s nothing to do with me.”
Is Fabio Borini really making progress, or is he simply not of the required standard for a club like Liverpool? Let us know what you think by joining in the discussion below.
