Former Charlton Athletic loanee Lewis Fiorini is on the verge of joining newly promoted League One side Stockport County, according to a report from Football Insider.
The 22-year-old came through Manchester City’s academy but has yet to play for the Premier League champions at senior level, having instead been loaned out several times. Fiorini was initially sent on loan to Dutch side NAC Breda in 2020 where he recorded six goals and five assists in the second tier. Upon return to England, the midfielder embarked on three temporary spells, being signed by Michael Appleton each time at Lincoln City, Blackpool and, more recently, Charlton Athletic.
Perhaps Fiorini’s most successful loan spell of them all came with the Imps, where he chipped in with ten goal involvements in an otherwise drab season at Sincil Bank, which saw the side finish in 17th, with head coach Appleton leaving the club at the end of the campaign.
Manchester-born Fiorini followed Appleton to his next club, moving up a division to Blackpool in the Championship. Game time was harder to come by on the Lancashire coast, with the attack-minded midfielder playing only 14 times in all competitions and conceding the penalty which consigned the Tangerines to relegation back to the third tier after a dismal 2022-23 campaign.
Now back at his parent club, the midfielder struggled with an Achilles issue at the start of last season before recovering to be picked up by Charlton Athletic in the January transfer window, once again managed by Appleton. However, the Salford-born manager was sacked just weeks later following a run of no wins in ten league games. Former Luton Town and Southampton boss Nathan Jones was then appointed, and while results picked up for the Addicks, Fiorini found himself out of the side, making only five appearances during his time at The Valley.
Fiorini is under contract until 2026 at the Etihad Stadium but given the plethora of talent ahead of him in the pecking order, it was likely he would be looking for a move either on a permanent or temporary basis to pick up more senior football after struggling last season. A switch to Edgeley Park represents that opportunity as the Hatters look to build a squad fit for League One.
Writer’s View
This is a move that suits all parties involved in the deal. Last season was a difficult one for Fiorini due to injuries and lack of appearances, so he’ll be hoping for a more positive campaign this time around at a newly promoted Stockport County side making their first appearance in League One since 2010.
Dave Challinor’s outfit are already looking strong for the new season following promotion and will be hoping that the signing of Fiorini, a local lad with plenty of experience in the division, can boost their chances in a difficult-looking league this year.
Be the first to comment