Liverpool are reportedly eyeing a move to sign Juventus winger Federico Chiesa at the end of the season as a possible replacement for Mo Salah – a player that Rio Ferdinand wished Manchester United had signed from Juve in the past.
Chiesa, 25, has returned to action after a lengthy injury lay-off with an ACL injury. It has limited the Italy star to just eight appearances for Juventus this season. He has had a hand in 35 goals in 69 appearances for the Italian giants.
Italian outlet CMW claim that Chiesa is a target for Liverpool. The report states that Liverpool could be open to the sale of Mo Salah, with Jurgen Klopp worried about the downturn in the Egyptian’s Premier League form this season.
Salah has only managed seven goals in 19 League appearances. A far cry from his previous seasons, including last term in which he won the Premier League golden boot. Chiesa, then, could be his replacement. Ferdinand is a big fan of his.
“He’s a huge player and he’s been linked with a few clubs in England. I’m sure they’re [Manchester United] thinking ‘why didn’t we get him?’ He’s just a fantastic footballer. The intensity with which he plays with, we saw in the Euros.
“The main goal threat for the Italians who won the tournament. That modern-day striker who can play anywhere across the front line. As comfortable out wide as he is in the middle. Unnerves defenders with that pace, he’s so direct.”
Liverpool eye Chiesa: Ferdinand wished Manchester United signed him
Chiesa would be a superb signing if Liverpool could bring him in. Whether or not Liverpool would sell Salah remains to be seen – but it is a fact that Salah has been poor this season. Yes, he has 17 goals, but 10 have come in the Cups.
You would argue that Chiesa’s work rate, his creativity and his ability to contribute to play and transition makes him ideal for the Reds. While that is not Salah’s forte, his goals are – and he is underperforming. Chiesa could replace him.
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