Brendan Rodgers has completed his first signing as Liverpool manager after bringing Italian forward Fabio Borini from Roma to Anfield.
The 21-year-old successfully passed a medical and agreed terms with the Reds on Friday before the transfer was officially announced and the former Chelsea youth player was handed the No29 shirt.
Borini has worked under Rodgers twice before, on the first occasion when the Northern Irishman was reserve team coach at Stamford Bridge and later during a loan spell with Swansea City.
Nine league goals in Serie A last season was enough to earn Borini a place in the Italy squad for UEFA EURO 2012 during the summer, although he did not feature.
After promising fans earlier in the week that an “exciting” signing was on the way, Rodgers was delighted to secure his first target before the new season kicks off on 18th August.
“I was very keen to bring him here,” the Reds boss told the club’s website. “Fabio fits the model of what we’re trying to do in building not only for now, but also for the future.
“He’s a big talent, 21 years of age, he scores goals, and his passion, focus and concentration is a very important part of his game – and a big part of what you want from a player.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MICpEQc2PTE
One player who is no longer part of Rodgers’ plans for the future, however, is midfielder Maxi Rodriguez, who has left Anfield to join former club Newell’s Old Boys.
The Argentinian began his career with Newell’s in 1999 and represented Spanish sides Espanyol and Atletico Madrid before joining the Reds on a free transfer in January 2010.
A total of 17 goals in 73 appearances endeared Maxi to the Liverpool faithful and the 31-year-old revealed his appreciation for the club’s supporters in an open letter to the fans.
He wrote: “I have tried to give everything every day that I was wearing the LFC crest. It has been a great honour to defend this shirt during two-and-a-half years.
“I am returning home with a suitcase full of great memories, good friends within the team and also within this great family that works every day in the club. Thanks a lot for your support.”