Federico Chiesa: A Bargain or a Risk for Liverpool?

Liverpool’s transfer dealings have often been shrewd, and their latest pursuit of Federico Chiesa from Juventus could be another masterstroke. As the Reds close in on a £10 million deal for the 26-year-old Italian winger, the football world is abuzz with curiosity. Why would a player of Chiesa’s calibre be available for such a modest fee? And how might he fit into Arne Slot’s dynamic squad? Let’s delve into the details and assess what Chiesa could bring to Anfield.

Who is Federico Chiesa?

Federico Chiesa is no stranger to the spotlight, being the son of Enrico Chiesa, a former Italy striker who left his mark on Serie A with 139 goals. Federico’s journey began in Florence with Fiorentina, where he joined at the tender age of 10. His rise through the ranks was rapid, and by 18, he was making his senior debut against none other than Juventus.

From the outset, Chiesa demonstrated his versatility and flair, quickly becoming indispensable to Fiorentina. His speed, tenacity, and ability to play across various attacking positions made him a standout performer. A Fiorentina club journalist once remarked, “Chiesa was a fantastic player—very unique with a complete set of skills. He was great at pressing, defending, and of course attacking, often creating chances out of nowhere.”

Chiesa’s final season with Fiorentina was his most prolific, with 10 goals and nine assists in 34 Serie A appearances. His performances earned him a move to Juventus in October 2020, where he continued to impress, especially during Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph, where he was named in the Team of the Tournament.

Injury Woes and a Dip in Form

However, Chiesa’s career took an unfortunate turn in January 2022 when he suffered a devastating anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. This injury sidelined him for 10 months, and since his return in November 2022, he has struggled to regain his previous form. Over two seasons at Juventus, he managed only 11 goals and eight assists in 54 Serie A appearances, with nine of those goals coming in the last campaign under Massimiliano Allegri.

Chiesa’s dip in form post-injury has led some to question his long-term fitness and ability to withstand the physical demands of top-flight football. This has undoubtedly influenced Juventus’s decision to part ways with him for a relatively modest fee.

Why £10 Million for Chiesa?

The £10 million fee that Liverpool are reportedly set to pay for Chiesa raises eyebrows, particularly given his past performances. To put it into perspective, this is a player who was once among Italy’s brightest talents, lighting up the Euro 2020 stage. So why the low price tag?

The key factors are Chiesa’s contract situation and Juventus’s new direction under manager Thiago Motta. With his contract set to expire next summer, Juventus are keen to avoid losing him on a free transfer. Motta, who favours a high-pressing style, seems unconvinced by Chiesa’s ability to fit into his plans, especially given the player’s recent injury history. Italian football journalist Daniele Verri notes, “Motta has already told him and several other players that they are not part of his plans and are better off looking for another club.”

Juventus’s urgency to offload Chiesa is also part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate their squad and reduce wage bills. The winger has been left out of Juventus’s first two matchday squads this season, signalling that the Turin club is ready to move on without him.

Where Does Chiesa Fit at Liverpool?

Liverpool’s interest in Chiesa is not new. The Reds have long admired his qualities, and the prospect of adding him to an already formidable forward line is tantalising. With Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo, and Luis Díaz in the mix, competition for places will be fierce. But where exactly does Chiesa fit in?

Chiesa is primarily a winger, capable of playing on both flanks. During Italy’s Euro 2024 qualifiers, he started on the right, which is also Salah’s preferred position. At Juventus, however, he was often deployed as a second striker in Allegri’s 3-5-2 system. This versatility could be a significant asset for Liverpool, allowing Slot to rotate his attacking options effectively.

Yet, there is a note of caution. Chiesa’s injury history cannot be ignored, and the Premier League’s physicality could pose a challenge. Verri warns, “He can bring some proper speed to Liverpool, but he is very prone to injuries. With the rhythm and intensity of English football, I’m not sure he will cope with that.”

A Calculated Gamble

The potential signing of Chiesa represents both an opportunity and a risk for Liverpool. On the one hand, securing a player of his talent for just £10 million could prove to be one of the bargains of the season. If Slot can help Chiesa rediscover the form that made him one of Europe’s most exciting prospects, Liverpool will have added another potent weapon to their attacking arsenal.

On the other hand, the move is not without its dangers. Chiesa’s injury record and recent struggles to find consistency raise valid concerns. The Premier League is unforgiving, and Chiesa will need to adapt quickly to avoid becoming another expensive flop.

Ultimately, Liverpool’s pursuit of Chiesa is a calculated gamble, one that could pay off handsomely if the Italian international can stay fit and deliver on the big stage. Whether this move will be remembered as a masterstroke or a misstep remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Liverpool fans will be watching with bated breath.