Kyle Lafferty’s Italian Job

Northern Ireland striker, Kyle Lafferty, has completed his move to Sicilian club, Palermo, penning a three year deal. The ex-Burnley and Rangers front-man, who had attracted the Italian side’s interest in January, spent last season at Swiss Super League outfit, FC Sion, where he notched a total of eight goals in 28 appearances.

The move will see Lafferty link up with former FC Sion teammate, Gennaro Gattuso, who also had a stint as player-manager while the two were together in Switzerland.

The man from Enniskillen made the bold decision to opt for Switzerland on the back of Rangers’ financial dilemmas last summer. However, despite building a reputation as a cult player among the Swiss, it turned out to be a rather turbulent season at the Stade de Tourbillon for Lafferty, as the striker played under five different managers in his first season for the club.

The Northern Irishman will most likely be remembered by FC Sion fans for his goal away to arch rivals Servette FC and also for his unorthodox goal celebration against FC Luzern.

The 25 year old will be linking up with Palermo as they prepare for life in Serie B following the club’s relegation last season. Lafferty will be the second Northern Irishman - after ex- Milan, Udinese and Torino star Paddy Sloan - to apply his trade in Italy.