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Federico Chiesa Is a Risk Worth Taking

I can still recall the reports that once had Liverpool linked to the signing of Federico Chiesa, almost four years ago. That was at a time when the versatile attacker was rampaging his way through Serie A, as the most destructive and ferocious forward in all Italian football. Following his eventual £50m move from Fiorentina to Juventus in 2020 (a two-year loan became permanent in 2022), the pathway of one of football’s brightest stars has since diminished due to unfortunate circumstances.

Yet his name still lingers.

What Went Wrong for Chiesa…?

Following that high-profile domestic acquisition by Juve, repeated injuries have continued after his agonising ACL tear and subsequent surgery in late 2022, something which saw him miss 45-games for his club. Such issues have dampened down the trajectory of a player who was once touted as one of the world’s best. Once again, this summer, the Anfield giants have been linked with a move for the son of former Fiorentina great, Enrico Chiesa, as a link that refuses to die away. Given the injuries to the player in question and a precarious financial predicament in Turin, it does appear that a deal could be attained for as little as £20m, given the player has now entered the final year of his contract. Patience has been lost with by his manager, Thiago Motto, who has sanctioned his sale and encouraged bids for his fallen attacker.  Though I am keen to see bulletproof assets attained by this new and exciting regime at Liverpool, I cannot stop wondering if a calculated risk would be worth that second look.

Here are some details on the 51-cap Italy international.

Federico Chiesa

Club – Juventus

Nationality – Italy

Age – 26-years-old DOB – 25/10/1997

Contract Expiry – 30th June 2025

Playing Positions – RW / LW / CF / SS

Height – 5ft 9inch

Weight – 70kg

Career Appearances – 324 games

Career Goals & Assists – 77 goals / 55 assists

2023/24 Appearances – 37 games

2023/24 Goals / Assists – 10 goals / 3 assists

2023/24 Minutes Played – 2,512

Contract Expiry – June 30 2025

Transfermarkt Value – €35m

Projected Cost of Deal – €20m

During the past week, there have been speculation linking both Ben Doak and Fábio Carvalho with permanent moves away from Merseyside. When you consider the track record of the reds former Sporting Director and now CEO, Michael Edwards, you cannot help but imagine that he will be able to encourage huge bids (for LFC assets) to assist his new Director of Football, Richard Hughes. There is a world in which the signing (and contract) of the former Florence academy graduate, Federico Chiesa, is fully serviced by the sale of Liverpool fringe players, who may have limited opportunities to impact the ongoing regeneration.

Is A Deal Even Feasible…?

Regarding the 26-year-old Italian, I could absolutely see him as someone that could be rebuilt and reborn at the AXA Training Centre, with very little downside. If the rumoured fee of £20m were proved correct, that outlay (and the wages paid thereafter) could always be safeguarded by potential sale to the Saudi Pro League, in the case that things did not work out.

Given the background of the new hierarchy at Liverpool FC, I would say that there is an outside chance that Liverpool table a bid for the Italian international. It is important to note that the data and recruitment team were once very tempted by a move for the powerful right footed forward, who instead decided to remain in his homeland. The situation is now altered and this could create one of those opportunities that Richard Hughes mentioned.

Regarding those that could make way, I can see neither short nor long-term futures when considering the elite level pathway of either the Scotland international, Ben, Doak, or Portugal under 21-international, Fábio Carvalho. Given the fact that Lewis Koumas and Kaide Gordon are progressing so well in the underage ranks, there is already two academy prospects primed to emerge in the coming years that operate within those wide attacking roles.

Once upon a time I wrote an article stating that Mohamed Salah was the world’s greatest in waiting. That piece was written four years ago and pinpointed a few exceptional players that may challenge the Egyptian King for future Ballon d’Or titles. Killian Mbappé, Erling Harland, and Federico Chiesa, were all part of a shortlist of outstanding individuals that could emerge to dominate the game. Within an Anfield era where smart decisions are likely to be made, I hope there is an allowance for one that sits slightly outside of Michael Edwards’ comfort zone, one that may see the forgotten Italian finally incoming to Merseyside.

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