Liverpool is nearing a deal to acquire Juventus winger Federico Chiesa for just €13 million (£10.95 million), marking Arne Slot’s second signing as manager of the Reds.
Chiesa, who scored eleven goals and provided two assists during an impressive 2023/24 season, has been deemed surplus to requirements by new Juventus manager Thiago Motta.
Despite his standout performances in previous seasons and his role in Italy’s Euro 2020 victory, Chiesa has recently attracted Liverpool’s interest.
The 26-year-old is expected to arrive in Merseyside today to finalize the move to Anfield. The reportedly low transfer fee is attributed to several factors, including Chiesa’s injury struggles and his contract situation.
With only a year left on his contract and no new deal in sight, potential suitors expected a bargain price. Italian football expert Stefano Buonfino explained that Chiesa’s serious knee injury, which he suffered in January 2022, had a lasting impact on his performance.
“Chiesa hasn’t been able to play at his best at Juventus for different reasons.
“First of all, his bad injury [serious knee injury suffered in January 2022] was a major setback. And even when he got back, it affected him for many months. Chiesa didn’t seem to fully trust his body after the injury.
Additionally, his use in a less suitable role at Juventus and his high salary, which the club is keen to offload, contributed to the reduced fee.
Buonfino noted that Chiesa’s injury issues and subsequent loss of form, combined with Juventus’ desire to restructure, have led to his departure at a surprisingly low price.
One journalist on X (formerly Twitter) even described the fee as a ‘joke’ compared to historical transfer costs for players like El Hadji Diouf and Emile Heskey.
