2 months ago
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Photo by Severin Aichbauer/SEPA.Media /Getty Images
Chiesa’s injury issues and an expiring contract make for a transfer target of opportunity for Liverpool late in the window.
Liverpool have been linked with Juventus forward Federico Chiesa since before Covid, and speculation the Italian international could join the Reds has been a feature of nearly every transfer window since. Usually when that happens, it’s safe to write off a deal ever actually getting done.
It appears, though, that Chiesa could end up the rare exception to the rule: a long-time rumoured target who actually, eventually, joins the club. Over the past 24 hours, the story has developed rapidly, and it now appears a €15M bargain deal to sign the 26-year-old is likely to be completed.
According to multiple reports, a €15M transfer and four-year contract for the player are in the works, and with the transfer window winding down Liverpool are the only club who have approached Juventus and the player with a serious offer—and the player himself wants the move.
Chiesa is available at a cut-rate price due to an expiring contract and that two of the past three seasons have seen him struggle with injuries. He missed nearly all of 2021-22 due to a torn ACL, and his recovery season of 2022-23 was far from smooth—which isn’t uncommon after missing a year.
Things improved in 2023-24, with Chiesa logging over 2,500 minutes. If he can manage that for Liverpool as a player who can both capably deputize for Mohamed Salah at right wing and play across the forward line, a €15M fee and rumoured wages in the £100k neighbourhood will be a bargain.
There is risk, obviously—it’s that risk that’s why he’s available on the cheap—but given Liverpool’s squad it’s a risk they can take, though given he doesn’t fill a position of obvious need there will be some holding off celebrating until they see what else the Reds do before the window closes.
