Salford City have completed the signing of former Liverpool and AC Milan forward Fabio Borini on a short-term deal until January.
The 34-year-old had been without a club since leaving Sampdoria in the summer and has spent the past month training with Salford’s first team. Manager Karl Robinson moved to sign him after being impressed by his fitness and attitude in training.
Salford City is pleased to announce the signing of Fabio Borini on a short term deal!
The Italian striker has been training with the men’s first team for fitness over the past month, and is available for the weekend 🇮🇹
— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC)
October 17, 2025
Borini said: “It’s been great, I came in to train to keep myself fit and Salford, the gaffer and Alex Bruce were kind enough to allow me to use the facilities. I’ve never played League Two football so I need to learn from my team-mates, but I’ll bring my experience to help the team. I chose to embrace this challenge because I needed real football again, something that warms my heart.”
The Italian forward will wear the number 16 shirt and has been cleared to play following FA and EFL approval.
Fabio Borini’s Debut Last Sunday Against Oldham Athletic
Borini made his debut in Salford’s 1–0 win over Oldham Athletic last Sunday. He came off the bench late in the game as Daniel Udoh’s first-half goal secured the points and ended a run of three straight league defeats.
Manager Karl Robinson praised Borini’s short but lively contribution. “Fabio was excellent when he came on,” said Robinson. “Look at the teams he’s played for, Sunderland, Liverpool, Milan and Roma. We are lucky to have him, not just for what he can do on the pitch but for the experience he brings.”
Robinson added that Borini’s presence has already lifted the squad in training. “He adds calm and understanding in key moments. You can see the standards rise around him.”
Borini isn’t the Only ex-Liverpool Player at Salford
Borini joins a Salford squad that already includes another former Liverpool striker, Ben Woodburn. The Welshman became the youngest goalscorer in Liverpool’s history in 2016 and, like Borini, is rebuilding his career in the EFL.
The link to Anfield is an interesting one at a club owned by Manchester United legends Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and David Beckham. Rivalries aside, both Borini and Woodburn add top-level experience to a side looking to climb the League Two table.
The Career of Fabio Borini
Fabio Borini has packed a lot into a career that’s taken him from Bologna to the Premier League and back across Europe. He came through the youth systems at Bologna and Chelsea, where Carlo Ancelotti handed him his senior debut in 2009. His loan spell at Swansea City two years later was the first real sign of his quality, scoring six goals in nine games as Brendan Rodgers’ side earned promotion to the top flight.
That run earned him a move to Roma and then a return to England when Liverpool signed him in 2012. Injuries and competition for places meant he never quite established himself at Anfield, but a season on loan at Sunderland restored his confidence. He scored in key games, including the League Cup final and the Tyne–Wear derby, and became a fan favourite for his work rate and commitment.
Borini later joined AC Milan, where he was used across the front line and in more defensive wide roles. His best scoring spell came with Fatih Karagümrük in Turkey, where he hit 36 goals in 75 games. A later move to Sampdoria offered less success, though he remained a regular starter and brought experience to a side struggling in Serie B.
Now 34, Borini joins Salford City as a player who has seen the highs of European football and the realities of its lower levels. His experience, professionalism and movement in the final third could make him a valuable addition in League Two.
Borini’s Stats Throughout his Career
Across more than 370 club appearances, Borini has scored 98 goals and provided 32 assists in England, Italy and Turkey.
He has played most often from the left, producing 44 goals and 18 assists in 154 appearances. As a centre-forward he has scored 40 times in 90 games.
- Most productive spell: Fatih Karagümrük – 36 goals, 15 assists in 75 matches
- Premier League: 111 appearances, 18 goals, 5 assists
- Serie A: 89 appearances, 16 goals, 2 assists
- Sunderland: 17 goals and 6 assists in 93 games
Borini’s career shows consistency rather than explosiveness. He has always offered intelligent movement, discipline and an eye for key moments. For Salford, he brings know-how and calm in a league where both are often in short supply.
