As reported by Paul Gorst in the Liverpool Echo, Liverpool’s unexpected acquisition of Federico Chiesa for a modest £12.5 million is a move that’s bound to provoke discussion among fans and pundits alike. While the true value of this transfer will be determined on the pitch, there are several compelling reasons to believe that Chiesa’s arrival at Anfield could be a masterstroke by the club’s recruitment team.
Versatility in the Attack
Chiesa’s versatility across the frontline is one of the most promising aspects of this signing. Historically, Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp have thrived on players who can adapt to multiple positions. For instance, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota have been deployed on the left wing despite their natural inclinations towards central roles. Similarly, Cody Gakpo, who initially made his mark as a left-winger at PSV, was often used in a more central role, even being compared to a “Roberto Firmino tribute act.” However, Gakpo’s recent performances suggest that he is once again being utilised in his preferred position on the left, a move that Slot seems to endorse.
Chiesa’s ability to play across the front three will allow Liverpool to maximise the potential of their existing forwards. By filling in wherever needed, Chiesa offers a degree of tactical flexibility that could prove invaluable, especially with the congested fixture list Liverpool faces in the revised Champions League format.
Boosting Quality and Depth
Another key advantage of signing Chiesa is the boost in quality and depth he brings to Liverpool’s squad. The likes of Johan Bakayoko, Nico Williams, and Yankuba Minteh were all linked with moves to Anfield, but Chiesa, with his proven international pedigree, represents a safer bet. Once valued between £70-90 million, capturing the 26-year-old Italian for a fraction of that amount seems like an astute piece of business.
The significance of this signing extends beyond just adding another forward. It allows Liverpool to rotate their squad without sacrificing quality, particularly in the case of Mohamed Salah. Last season, Salah struggled with a hamstring injury that hampered his form in the latter stages of the campaign. With Chiesa in the squad, Liverpool now have the luxury of resting Salah when necessary, without having to rely on less experienced players like Ben Doak.
A Low-Risk, High-Reward Gamble
Given the relatively low transfer fee involved, Chiesa’s signing is a low-risk move with the potential for high rewards. As Paul Gorst of the Liverpool Echo aptly points out, this is the same fee that Liverpool received for selling Bobby Clark earlier this summer. In that context, the deal for Chiesa, who could have easily commanded a much higher fee in previous transfer windows, looks like a bargain.
Moreover, Chiesa’s arrival could have a positive knock-on effect on the rest of the squad. With Salah rested and kept in optimal condition for the big games, Liverpool’s chances of success this season could hinge on how well Chiesa integrates into the team. If Slot and his coaching staff can coax the best out of the Italian forward, this could be one of the shrewdest signings of the summer.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
From a sceptical Liverpool supporter’s perspective, the signing of Federico Chiesa might not be met with universal enthusiasm. While the fee is undeniably low for a player of his calibre, concerns will naturally arise about his fitness and form, especially given his injury history. Some fans may question whether Liverpool should have spent the money on a more pressing need, such as bolstering the midfield or defensive options, rather than adding to an already crowded forward line.
The fact that Chiesa was once valued at up to £90 million but is now available for just £12.5 million might raise eyebrows. Is this a sign that his best days are behind him? Or has Liverpool simply struck gold in a depressed market? The sceptical fan might argue that Liverpool’s cautious approach in the transfer market could backfire if Chiesa doesn’t rediscover the form that made him one of Europe’s hottest prospects a few years ago.
Moreover, the reliance on Chiesa to deputise for Mohamed Salah could be seen as a gamble. Salah is arguably irreplaceable, and while Chiesa offers quality, he is untested in the Premier League and might take time to adapt. If he fails to hit the ground running, Liverpool could find themselves short of firepower at crucial moments in the season.
Ultimately, while the signing of Chiesa has the potential to be a masterstroke, it also carries risks that cannot be ignored. The hope is that Liverpool’s cautious approach pays off, but until Chiesa proves his worth on the pitch, scepticism will linger among the Anfield faithful.
