Image Credits: Imago Images
Following the conclusion of the 2025-26 season, Salford City have confirmed their retained and released list, with nine players set to depart after the club’s failure to win promotion to League One.
Among those leaving is former Liverpool striker Fabio Borini, who joined the League Two side in October as a free agent. He initially signed a short-term deal before earning an extension until the end of the season following strong performances.
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Borini went on to make 33 appearances in all competitions, scoring five goals, but will now leave at the age of 35 in search of a new club.
Salford missed out on promotion after a 3-0 defeat to Notts County in the League Two play-off final at Wembley, with goals from Alassana Jatta, Lucas Ness and Jodi Jones ending their hopes.
Planning is already underway for another promotion push next season, while the club have also confirmed contract options have been triggered for former Liverpool forward Ben Woodburn.
A club statement read: “13 players are under contract, including captain Luke Garbutt, Kallum Cesay, and Ade Oluwo who all signed new deals during the season. Contract options have also been triggered for Ben Woodburn, Kelly Nmai, Josh Austerfield, Kyrell Malcolm and Ros Longelo.”
“A contract offer has been made to Ollie Turton, whose current deal is due to expire in June. Loan players Matty Young, Alfie Dorrington, Prince Ehibhatiomhan and Nico Siri will all return to their parent clubs, and we wish all the lads our best wishes for their future careers.
“Thank you also to Sunderland, Tottenham Hotspur, Southampton and Montevideo City Torque for their trust in loaning the players to us.
“Ossama Ashley and Dan Chesters will leave the Peninsula Stadium after three seasons at the Club, alongside Cole Stockton, Tom Edwards and Haji Mnoga – who have each spent the last two seasons in M7.
“Kadeem Harris, Fabio Borini, Mark Howard and Mackenzie Chapman will also leave when their deals come to an end, as will Development Squad players and Scholars Jai Curran-Nicholls, Jacob Lara, Alfie Henderson, Luca Jackson, Robbie Cleary, Ellis Craven, Khadim Diop, Jake Dodd, Joel Kane, Billy Midgley, Brad Mundy, Harry Showman, Luke Simmons, and James Wright.
“Our thanks and gratitude go to all players leaving the Club for your efforts, and we wish you well in your future careers.”
Borini began his career at Chelsea, making eight senior appearances for the club before going on to represent Swansea City, Roma, Liverpool, Sunderland and AC Milan.
He later played for Hellas Verona, Fatih Karagümrük and Sampdoria, adding further experience across Europe. The forward also earned one senior cap for Italy in 2012.