Federico Chiesa: Liverpool’s Potential Gem or a Risky Investment?
3 min read
Federico Chiesa, the dynamic winger from Juventus and the Italian national team, is reportedly nearing a transfer to Liverpool. The move could see Chiesa join Liverpool for a fee of £10 million, with the 26-year-old expressing his readiness for a “new adventure.” A medical examination is expected soon, and if completed, Chiesa will become the first signing for manager Arne Slot, who has already secured a deal to bring Valencia’s goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili to Anfield for the 2025-26 season.
Who is Federico Chiesa?
Federico Chiesa, the son of former Italy striker Enrico Chiesa, who had a notable career in Serie A, joined Fiorentina’s youth academy at the age of 10. Known for his impressive speed and versatility, Chiesa quickly advanced through Fiorentina’s ranks, making his senior debut in August 2016 against Juventus. Despite his youth, Chiesa soon became a key player for Fiorentina.
According to a Fiorentina club journalist, “Chiesa was a fantastic player with a unique skill set. He excelled at pressing, defending, and attacking, often creating opportunities from seemingly nothing. He played various roles including left and right winger, second striker, and wing-back. His finishing needed refinement, but he performed well despite playing in a defensively focused Fiorentina team.”
Chiesa’s final season with Fiorentina was particularly notable, as he scored 10 goals and provided nine assists in 34 Serie A matches during the 2019-20 season. His performances earned him a transfer to Juventus in October 2020. At Juventus, he continued to shine, especially during Euro 2020, where his standout performances helped Italy win the tournament. However, his career hit a setback when he suffered a significant anterior cruciate ligament injury in January 2022, sidelining him for 10 months.
Upon his return in November 2022, Chiesa struggled to regain his peak form, accumulating only 11 goals and eight assists in 54 Serie A appearances, with nine goals coming in the previous season under Massimiliano Allegri.
Why the Low Transfer Fee?
Acquiring Chiesa for just £10 million might seem like a bargain, especially given his talent and previous form. However, several factors contribute to this relatively low fee. Chiesa’s contract is set to expire next summer, prompting Juventus to sell now rather than risk losing him for free. New Juventus manager Thiago Motta has excluded Chiesa from his initial matchday squads and reportedly prefers a high-pressing style that might not suit Chiesa, given his recent injury woes.
Italian football journalist Daniele Verri explains, “Motta has informed Chiesa and other players that they are not part of his plans and should seek other clubs. Chiesa’s potential departure is also part of a broader strategy to rejuvenate the team and manage salary costs. Although Chiesa has trained sporadically, he has not played recently, indicating the club’s intent to move him on.”
Chiesa’s Potential at Liverpool
Liverpool’s interest in Chiesa underscores their admiration for his speed and ability. With an attacking lineup that includes Mohamed Salah, Darwin Núñez, Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo, and Luis Díaz, Chiesa’s addition could provide valuable depth and versatility. Despite playing mostly as a second striker in Allegri’s 3-5-2 system last season, Chiesa has also shown his capability on the right flank, a position currently occupied by Salah at Anfield.
Slot will need to carefully manage Chiesa’s deployment and fitness. As Verri notes, “Chiesa can offer Liverpool significant speed, but his susceptibility to injuries is a concern. The physical demands of English football might be challenging for him. While the investment is relatively low, it remains a risky venture.”
In summary, while Federico Chiesa’s potential move to Liverpool represents an intriguing opportunity for the club, it also comes with its share of uncertainties. If he can overcome his injury issues, Chiesa could be a valuable asset; otherwise, Liverpool may find themselves taking a considerable gamble.
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