Federico Chiesa: Liverpool’s Strategic Summer Coup
As the Premier League season unfolds, Liverpool’s transfer dealings have come under intense scrutiny. In the latest episode of the Redmen TV podcast, Paul Gorst delves into the club’s decision to sign Federico Chiesa, examining whether this was a calculated move or a desperate scramble as the transfer window drew to a close.
Opportunistic or Panic Buy?
Liverpool’s acquisition of Chiesa raised eyebrows, particularly given the timing of the deal. However, Gorst dismisses any notion that this signing was a panic buy, instead characterizing it as a “really shrewd one.” He emphasizes that Liverpool’s approach this summer has been measured, with the club keeping its cards “closer to the chest” than in previous years.
Gorst explains that the move for Chiesa was not a reaction to a desperate need for a forward but rather a strategic addition to an already strong attacking lineup. “If Liverpool were desperate for a forward…this would be a little bit of an underwhelming one,” he notes. However, with the depth already present in Liverpool’s attack, Chiesa’s arrival is seen as a move to “supplement what’s already there” and to provide “backup and competition for places at a relatively modest fee.”
Chiesa’s Potential Revival
Chiesa’s past injury struggles have led some to question his current value, but Gorst argues that Liverpool’s coaching staff believes they can restore him to the form that once made him a star. “He hasn’t been at the levels that he was at in Euro 2020,” Gorst acknowledges, but he also highlights that Chiesa “still played 37 times last season in all competitions, scored nine goals…certainly a player with still plenty to give.”
The decision to sign Chiesa was not made lightly. Liverpool, according to Gorst, took a “measured and strategic look” at the situation, ultimately deciding that waiting could allow them to secure the player at a lower price. This strategy paid off, as Liverpool landed Chiesa for a fee significantly below his market value, which Transfermarkt still lists at €35 million.
Strategic Flexibility in Attack
Gorst also discusses how Chiesa’s versatility could benefit Liverpool’s tactical approach. He suggests that Arne Slot might use Chiesa to rotate and rest key players like Mohamed Salah, particularly as the Egyptian star enters the latter stages of his career. “Salah gets a rest when it’s needed…preserving him for the business end of the season could be an inspired move,” Gorst comments.
Moreover, Chiesa’s arrival could signal a shift in how Slot deploys his attacking options. With Diogo Jota and Darwin Núñez potentially focusing more on central roles, Chiesa offers an alternative on the wings, providing Slot with the flexibility to adapt to various opponents and situations throughout the Premier League campaign.
Conclusion: A Calculated Gamble
Liverpool’s signing of Federico Chiesa appears to be anything but a hasty decision. As Paul Gorst outlines on the Redmen TV podcast, this was a calculated move that reflects Liverpool’s broader strategy of reinforcing their squad without overextending financially. “If he can get back to that level…what an option he’d be,” Gorst concludes, underlining the potential upside of this transfer.
As Liverpool looks to challenge on multiple fronts this season, the addition of Chiesa could prove to be a masterstroke, providing depth, flexibility, and a potential return to form for a player once tipped for greatness. Whether Chiesa can reach those heights again remains to be seen, but for now, Liverpool appears to have made a savvy investment that could pay dividends as the Premier League season progresses.
