Most transfers carry a degree of risk. But, as Liverpool close in on their second major signing of Arne Slot’ first summer in the Anfield dugout, this is one that carries more peril than most.
Federico Chiesa, HITC understands, is closing in on a potential switch from Serie A giants Juventus to the Premier League powerhouses.
But ask anyone to give their view on the Bianconeri number seven, and the vast majority will look back to a few short weeks during the summer of 2021.
That was the summer in which Chiesa’s talents hit the mainstream. And that, for now at least, is the closest the former Fiorentina flyer has come to genuinely fulfilling his vast potential.
Chiesa was devastating as Italy secured the European Championship title. In the words of Azzurri and Juve legend Gianluigi Buffon, he was simply ‘unbelievable’ in that Wembley victory over Gareth Southgate’s England.
Devastatingly direct and capable of striking fear into the heart of any full-back, Chiesa was ‘impossible to stop’ throughout that coming-of-age tournament.
But, three years on, Chiesa has rarely come close to reaching those same levels since.
Liverpool closing in on Juventus winger Federico Chiesa
Injuries certainly haven’t helped.
Chiesa has missed 84 games for club and country since the start of 2021/22, albeit half of those came during his long spell on the treatment table with a cruciate ligament tear. And, for a player so reliant on his acceleration, a series of knee and muscle issues obviously hit Chiesa hard.
A dwindling reputation and a declining contract – Chiesa will be a free-agent in 2025 – goes some way to explaining why Liverpool could get a deal done for an initial fee of just £12.5 million.
But, according to former Reds midfielder Danny Murphy, such a fee maybe makes a risk worth taking.
Yes, Liverpool could end up burdened with a winger who’s best years may be behind him already. But, on the other hand, Arne Slot could also land a footballer still brimming with genuine world-class potential – he was tipped to challenge for the Ballon D’Or not so long ago – for around half of the fee Brentford paid for Fabio Carvalho and Sepp van den Berg.
Danny Murphy thinks Mo Salah will benefit from Italian’s arrival
“I was a little bit surprised because of the numbers they have already got in the attacking areas,” Murphy tells talkSPORT (28 August, 11.30am) when asked about Chiesa’s likely arrival on Merseyside.
“(But) at that price…”
Chiesa’s versatility means he is capable of performing both on the right or the left. Murphy feels that Mo Salah – having turned 32 in July – can benefit from the Italian’s arrival too as he looks to avoid a repeat of last season’s worrying burn-out.
“He is rapid. He can play both sides, and maybe give Salah on the right a little bit of support so (Slot) can rotate,” adds Murphy, who won the FA Cup, the League Cup and the UEFA Cup under the late Gerard Houllier in 2001.
“We will have to wait and see. He hasn’t quote hit the heights since the euros but he is a real threat.”
HITC have been told by Liverpool sources that Slot’s side are ‘cautiously optimistic’ that a deal can be done before Sunday’s trip to Manchester United.
Chiesa has been impressed by what he has heard from The Reds bosses during talks driven by new sporting director Richard Hughes.
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