Luke Turner’s thoughts on the possible return of Diego Fabbrini…
There have been numerous reports flying around suggesting that Birmingham City are seriously interested in bringing former loanee Diego Fabbrini back to St Andrews.
The Italian quickly became a fan favourite during that loan spell towards the back end of last season and I am sure that Blues fans would welcome him back with open arms should he return.
I agree with most in that I would also love to see Diego light up St Andrews again with his quirky playing style of quick movements and drops of the shoulder.
If the reported fee of £1.5m were to be paid by Blues for his services then this would be a real statement of intent by the club.
The 25-year-old, currently on loan at Middlesbrough from Watford, only featured 5 times for Blues but I think that Rowett has seen enough of him that would suggest that he wants him back.
As well as all the complications with completing the deal, Blues would also have three attacking midfielders on their books.
Of late, Jon Toral has been nothing short of magnificent and it would be great if we could sign him permanently once his contract at Arsenal expires at the end of this season.
However, Arsene Wenger might’ve liked what he has seen from Toral and want to keep him at the club. Perhaps Rowett is planning for this scenario by increasing his interest in Fabbrini.
Andy Shinnie would most likely suffer the most if Fabbrini arrived. The Scot has had his playing time limited already this season and he will be pushed further away if there were two attacking midfielders ahead of him.
It would certainly be healthy competition to have Toral and Fabbrini both in the squad but I’m not sure if they would both work on the pitch together.
This would mean one of them being pushed out wide, however, I think they are both suited behind the striker where they can be a lot more effective.
Toral has one more goal (5) and one more assist (3) to his name than Fabbrini in the league this season, but the former has started a few more games.
Personally, though, I think that signing Fabbrini would be a massive deal for Blues and it would add a lot more quality to the squad.
It would also give Rowett another option for an attacking midfielder who can also score goals as well as assist, something that he cannot guarantee with Andy Shinnie.
Only time will tell if a deal can be completed for Fabbrini and, if reports are true, the Italian is open to a return to Blues.
I do hope that a deal can be done and Blues can continue to mount a play off push. Signing Fabbrini will only enhance our chances of doing this.
Blues fans, do you think there is genuine interest in Fabbrini? Would you love to see him return to St Andrews? Comment below!