As the transfer window draws to a close, Juventus are reportedly in negotiations over a Federico Chiesa Liverpool transfer fee.
The Reds are the only side left in Europe’s top five leagues yet to make a signing, but reports in Italy and England suggest that the unwanted record could soon meet its end.
Juventus’ asking price for Chiesa is reportedly just £13m.
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Why do Liverpool want Chiesa?
Chiesa, at his best, is a truly terrifying winger. Able to play across the front three, the Italian can be a dazzling combination of speed, trickery and lethal end product. In his four seasons at Juventus, he has averaged 0.56 goals and assists per 90 minutes.
Arne Slot loves direct, productive wingers. The likes of Luis Sinisterra, Yankuba Minteh and Reiss Nelson all thrived under the charismatic Dutchman at Feyenoord.
Chiesa showed the world what he was capable of at Euro 2020, playing a starring role in Italy’s triumph, but for a range of reasons, he has not kicked on since.
The 26-year-old, however, does still have bags of talent, and £13m is a steal for a player of his calibre. Liverpool are keen to take advantage of this market opportunity.
If the Reds can get Chiesa back to his best, it could go down as one of the best moves of the window.
Federico Chiesa Liverpool transfer fee: Is it a good deal?
Juventus’ £13m asking price is very low, on account of Chiesa’s chequered injury record, and Thiago Motta’s very public stance that the winger does not have a future at the Old Lady.
There is a good chance that Chiesa will not be at his best, but if other conditions are right, such as wages and the length of his contract, this is a low-risk, high-reward move for the Reds to make.
What went wrong for Chiesa at Juventus?
Chiesa joined from Fiorentina in a £42m move in 2022, having been on a convoluted two-year loan at Juventus beforehand.
The Italian started strong in Turin, with eight goals and eight assists in Serie A alone. He then enjoyed an explosive Euro 2020, where all the world thought he would be the next big thing.
But just months after the peak of his career, Chiesa suffered a horrific ACL injury that ruled him out for nine months. Since his return, Chiesa has struggled with niggling injuries that have prevented him from putting together a top run of form.
On top of that, Juventus’ struggles have also clearly impacted the winger, who suffered under recently-departed manager Max Allegri’s very conservative brand of football.
Juventus have decided to move on from Chiesa, as well as a host of other players. A fresh start at a top club like Liverpool could be just what Chiesa needs to reboot his career.
Juventus are reportedly set to move for Manchester United's Jadon Sancho to replace Chiesa. Read more here.
