Liverpool fans were likely surprised to hear about the club’s growing interest in Federico Chiesa late in the summer transfer window.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) last night that the deal is still very much in play, with Chiesa reportedly “excited” about the possibility of joining Arne Slot’s Liverpool squad.
Last season, the Italian winger contributed 13 goals across 37 matches in all competitions.
What would Liverpool need to pay for Federico Chiesa?
Early August reports (Mirko Di Natale via the Liverpool Echo) indicated that Juventus might accept as little as £13 million for Chiesa. Such a price is a bargain for a player entering his prime years.
https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1828173714971656672?t=QH4ieg7FgEuVGOJEGhxuCw&s=19
Is Chiesa really that injury-prone?
League games:
- 2023/24: 33 games played, 5 missed due to injury
- 2022/23: 21 games played, 17 missed due to a cruciate ligament tear ongoing from the previous season
- 2021/22: 14 games played, 24 missed due to injury
- 2020/21: 33 games played, 3 missed due to injury
- 2019/20:34 games played, 2 missed due to injury
Over the past five seasons, Chiesa has been available for an average of 71.05% of league fixtures.
While Chiesa is not without his flaws, the notion that he wouldn’t be able to contribute as a backup forward for Liverpool might be exaggerated.
In three of the last five Serie A seasons, the 26-year-old has managed to play over 30 games in a 38-game league season (not counting other competitions).
There’s certainly a valid concern about the higher intensity of the Premier League compared to Serie A.
However, it’s worth considering the energy-conserving style of Arne Slot’s football and the potential positive impact of Liverpool’s lead physical performance coach, Ruben Peeters.
Is there a risk? Possibly, but it might be one worth taking if Chiesa isn’t relied upon as the main forward.
