Federico Chiesa: Potential Bargain for Liverpool
Liverpool fans are abuzz with the latest transfer speculation surrounding Juventus star Federico Chiesa. The Italian winger, once valued at €100 million, could now be available for a fraction of that price. In a recent episode of the Daily Red Podcast from Anfield Index, Dave Hendrick delved deep into why this deal makes sense for Liverpool. Here’s why Chiesa could be the perfect fit for the Reds.
Injury Concerns? Closer Look
Chiesa’s injury history has been a point of concern for many fans. But as Dave Hendrick pointed out, context is key. Chiesa’s torn ACL in January 2022 sidelined him for most of that year, but Hendrick emphasized that many of the injuries listed afterward were part of his recovery process. “He was coming back from an ACL tear, and the muscle fatigue and tendinitis he experienced are standard for a player recovering from such a severe injury,” said Hendrick.
In fact, Chiesa played 37 games for Juventus last season, missing only six due to injury. As Hendrick noted, “He was at about 75 to 80 percent of his pre-injury level last season, and with another year removed from the injury, there’s a real chance he becomes a very, very good player again.”
Buying Federico Chiesa for the same price we sold Bobby Clark for would be good business. Higher wages sure but also a much better player.
— Nostalgia Merchant (@HendrickD82) August 26, 2024
Versatile Forward
Liverpool’s interest in Chiesa is not surprising, given his versatility. The 26-year-old can play on either wing or through the middle, making him a valuable asset for any attacking lineup. “He’s an elite ball carrier, a very good crosser, and a good passer,” said Hendrick. Chiesa’s stats from last season further support this: he ranked in the top five for shot-creating actions in Serie A with 4.79 per 90 minutes and was in the top three for carries into the opposition area with 58.
Hendrick also highlighted Liverpool’s long-standing interest in Chiesa, dating back to his time at Fiorentina. “We wanted him in 2021, but the price was prohibitive. Now, with Juventus seemingly desperate to offload him, this is an opportunity at a great reclamation project.”
Bargain In The Making
The financial aspect of the deal is where things get particularly interesting. Juventus reportedly wants around €15 million for Chiesa, a steal for a player of his caliber. “This is dirt cheap for a player who, three years ago, teams were offering €70-80 million for,” Hendrick remarked.
Hendrick also addressed concerns about Chiesa’s wage demands, stating, “He’s on decent money at Juventus, but I wouldn’t believe the £150,000-a-week figure. He probably comes in at about £100,000-a-week, which is absolutely fine.”
The Perfect Fit for Liverpool?
Adding Chiesa to Liverpool’s attacking options would provide much-needed depth. Hendrick summed it up perfectly: “If we now have Mo [Salah] and Chiesa on the right, Darwin [Núñez] and Jota as the starters, and Diaz and Gakpo as the left wingers, isn’t that really good depth? Nobody has a better eight-man group in this league than us.”
In a transfer market where clubs often overpay, Chiesa represents a calculated risk with potentially high rewards. As Hendrick concluded, “He was a €100 million player three years ago. He may never get back to that level, but even at 90 percent, he’s worth far more than €15 million. This is a deal we shouldn’t pass up.”
With the transfer window ticking down, it remains to be seen whether Liverpool will make their move. But if they do, Federico Chiesa could be one of the bargains of the summer.
