We begin the new month with rumours of a Fabio Borini return as Arbenit Xhemajli finds himself a new club. David Preece also leaves Sunderland after 12 months as a coach...
BORINI WANTS TO RETURN
Rumours began circling last night that Fabio Borini would be interested in a move back to Sunderland. The now 31-year-old has been playing for Fatih Karagumuruk in Turkey, where he has one year left on his contract and has supposedly been offered to the Black Cats. He played 21 games last season and scored three goals. We seem to have learned from the Jermain Defoe saga though, as it quickly became apparent that the club aren't interested in re-signing the Italian. While Borini was sensational on loan, he didn't quite have the same effect after signing a few years later on a permanent deal. It's quite ironic that a few years ago Gus Poyet's Sunderland were desperate for Borini's signature, and now the shoe seems to be on the other foot.
XHEMAJLI TO TURKEY
Whilst Borini looks to leave Turkey, Arby Xhemajli is set to sign for recently-relegated side Goztepe SK once his Sunderland contract officially expires. It never worked out on Wearside for the Kosovo international, mostly due to a major injury that saw him miss almost a year and a half. He was highly-rated when he came to England, so hopefully this is the right move for Xhemajli to kick-start his career again.
GOODBYE PREECE
Sunderland confirmed the exit of goalkeeping coach David Preece, as part of a backroom staff shake-up. Local boy Preece came through Sunderland's academy but didn't make any senior appearances as a player, but returned to the club in a coaching capacity in August 2021. Upon his exit, David said: "Just want to say a big thank you to everyone at the club, especially Mark Prudhoe for his wisdom and support. And all my best wishes and good luck to Alex Neil, the players and all the staff for the coming season. Some things never change though, because I can’t help..." The experienced Prudhoe is set to step up from his role as academy goalkeeping coach to take over from Preece.
