Liverpool Transfer News: What Does Brendan Rodgers See in Fabio Borini?

Liverpool are closing in on Roma forward Fabio Borini, according to Ben Smith at BBC Sport.

Borini's agent told Radio Radio (via ESPN.co.uk): "Roma has informed us of Liverpool's interest in the boy. Now it's up to Fabio to have his say."

The question is, what does Brendan Rodgers see in Fabio Borini?

This article will discuss Borini's brief stay at Parma, his situation at Roma, his ability as a footballer and whether or not Liverpool are making the right decision in attempting to sign him. 

Fabio Borini: Another Puppet in the Italian Transfer System

If you pay close attention to Serie A signings, you'll notice an unusual reliance on loans and co-ownerships. 

Fabio Borini is just another puppet in the Italian transfer system.

Prior to joining Swansea City on loan, he had already signed a pre-contract agreement with Parma.

It was a stipulation that Brendan Rodgers wasn't aware of until the latter stages of the Italian's loan spell, according to BBC Sport.

It was brilliant scheming from Borini's agent Marco De Marchi, who exploited Rodgers' close bond to Borini in order to convince Parma that his client was a profitable asset. 

A successful loan spell later, Parma signed Borini and loaned him out to Roma for €1.25 million. Several months later, Roma paid Parma €2.3 million for co-ownership. At the end of the season, Roma signed Borini outright for €5.3 million.

Parma made a €8.85 million profit without even playing Borini.

You're dreaming if you think Roma are willing to let Borini go without making a substantial profit. At minimum, they'll sell him for €20 million, which is approximately £15.8 million. 

Italian Clubs Consistently Hype Up Their Players

Italian clubs consistently prolong transfer situations so that their players receive more press coverage. 

When Zlatan Ibrahimović was still a rising star, Juventus reportedly turned down a €70 million bid from Real Madrid. The Spanish club promptly responded (via TheStar.com.my):

"

Real Madrid deny the story which appeared in certain media referring to a supposed offer of 70 million euros for the Swede Ibrahimović, currently playing for Juventus.

"

It was a shameless publicity stunt orchestrated by Ibrahimović's agent, Mino Raiola, who wanted to increase the Swede's reputation and transfer stock. 

AC Milan rejected £100 million from Manchester City for Kaká, only to sell him to Real Madrid for £56 million. Milan knew Kaká didn't want to go to City, but elongated the situation to the point where the media believed the Brazilian would arrive at Eastlands.

What do Juventus, Inter Milan, AC Milan, Parma, Lazio, Fiorentina and Palermo have in common? They're all Italian clubs who have received €40 million or more for a single player. 

What is the relevance of the aforementioned examples to Liverpool wanting to sign Roma's Fabio Borini? 

Roma are leading Liverpool on because it seems so implausible that the Italian club would relinquish such a valuable asset like Borini for £8-12 million. That is, especially when Liverpool have overpaid in the past for the likes of Andy Carroll, Stewart Downing and Jordan Henderson.

Fabio Borini's Situation at Roma

Borini was an inside-out threat and a persistent live wire during his first season at Roma. 

He scored nine goals, mainly from wide positions, but he would have been more productive if his season wasn't plagued by two notable muscle injuries.

There's a reason why the club have taken calculated risks on the likes of Borini, Dodo, Érik Lamela, Bojan, José Ángel and Miralem Pjanic. They're all young cash-cows with the potential of making Roma big money. 

In terms of Borini's potential, the sky's the limit.

Fabio Borini and Brendan Rodgers

League Only	Goals	Shots Per Goal
Fabio Borini	9	5.3
Luis Suárez	11	11.6
Andy Carroll	4	22
Stewart Downing	0	N/A*

* Downing shot 72 times

Fabio Borini is a high IQ footballer who converts his chances. He can play out wide and he works hard without possession.

It makes total sense why Brendan Rodgers wants Borini. The Italian has taken his chances whenever he's been afforded a fair go. 

Borini has the will of Filippo Inzaghi—an intangible that the mentally weak Andy Carroll does not possess.

Don't forget what Rodgers said when he reluctantly accepted Borini's departure from Swansea City: "We'll keep our eye on him and maybe he can play for Swansea again in the future."

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