Liverpool Football Club has completed the signing of Italian winger Federico Chiesa from Juventus for a fee of £12.5 million, comprising £10 million upfront and £2.5 million in performance-based add-ons. The 26-year-old forward joins Liverpool on a four-year contract, becoming the second major acquisition under new head coach Arne Slot. This move is seen as a strategic effort to bolster the club’s attacking options, positioning Chiesa alongside the likes of Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Luis Díaz.

A Cut-Price Deal for Liverpool

Liverpool’s acquisition of Chiesa, a standout player in Italy’s Euro 2020-winning squad, comes at a surprisingly low price. Despite being valued between £80-100 million only a year ago, Liverpool secured Chiesa at a fraction of that cost. This was partly due to Juventus’ financial constraints and the player’s contract situation. With Barcelona and Saudi Arabian clubs also expressing interest, Liverpool’s successful negotiation—led by new sporting director Richard Hughes—demonstrated a savvy understanding of the Italian transfer market​.

Chiesa’s Journey to Anfield

Chiesa’s transfer to Liverpool marks a significant chapter in his career, following four years at Juventus where he made 131 appearances and scored 10 goals in his final season. The Italian international began his professional career at Fiorentina, making 153 appearances before moving to Juventus in a deal that became permanent in 2022. Despite an anterior cruciate ligament injury that sidelined him for nearly ten months, Chiesa’s tenacity and skill saw him return to form, contributing decisively to Juventus’ Coppa Italia campaigns and his national team’s successes.

Impact on Liverpool’s Strategy

Chiesa’s signing is part of Arne Slot’s broader strategy to enhance Liverpool’s attacking depth. With his pace, versatility, and experience on the international stage, Chiesa is expected to complement Liverpool’s dynamic style of play. Analysts believe his ability to operate on either wing will provide Liverpool with new tactical flexibility, especially in high-stakes competitions like the Premier League and Champions League.

Liverpool aims to unlock Chiesa’s full potential, as the club’s management feels he was undervalued at Juventus. The club’s swift move to secure Chiesa’s signature demonstrates its ambition to reclaim dominance in domestic and European football​.

Indirect Speech and Expert Opinion

Speaking to Liverpool’s official website, Chiesa expressed his excitement about joining the club, highlighting Liverpool’s rich history and passionate fan base. According to the website, Chiesa conveyed that joining Liverpool was an easy decision due to the club’s legendary status and its commitment to winning trophies​.

Football experts have praised the transfer as a masterstroke, noting that Liverpool acquired a world-class talent at a bargain price. Former Liverpool player and now analyst, Jamie Carragher, emphasized that Chiesa’s arrival at such a reasonable cost could prove to be one of the smartest deals of the season, providing the Reds with a fresh attacking option and energizing their quest for silverware.

  Arne Slot, Champions League, Cody Gakpo, Euro 2020, Federico Chiesa, Fiorentina, Juventus, Liverpool, Luis Díaz, Mohamed Salah, Premier League, Richard Hughes