Federico Chiesa looks set to become Arne Slot’s second signing of this summer’s transfer window, with Liverpool closing in on a deal worth just under £11m for the Italian international.
The deal comes as something as a surprise, with the Reds making an unexpected move this week after the Italian had been cast out by Juventus manager Thiago Motta. The 26-year-old winger has even been labelled a ‘shadow’ of his former self after his ACL injury in 2022.
But despite some surprise surrounding his signing, Chiesa could bolster Liverpool’s front line with pace and directness. And at such a low fee, it could be a gamble worth taking for Richard Hughes.
A common belief with ACL injuries is that the player ‘loses a yard of pace’ but this couldn’t be further from the truth for the Italian, having recorded a 34.4 km/h sprint at Euro 2024, a figure bested only by Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai in the Premier League last season.
The Liverpool target missed 45 games due to his ACL injury, but his injury record isn’t as bad as it seems, having only missed 16 games in previous seasons and 27 games post-ACL injury.
Speaking to France Football he said: “The injury slowed down my career, but it taught me a lot. Before I was probably a more instinctive, a more impulsive player, and maybe my game has changed a little, but not my speed.
“Now I’m back to being very close to [the] level I was before the injury.”
Chiesa was one of Italy’s breakout stars in their Euro 2020 triumph, netting twice on their route to victory, this tournament drove interest in the winger, which has slowly dwindled due to his ACL problem.
In his first campaign back, the 2022/23 season, the effects of the injury weren’t evident, as only Victor Osimhen recorded a faster sprint than the Italian, around the 36 km/h mark.
Chiesa has also avoided any more long term injuries and it seems he has little recurring problems with his knee, missing five games over three years with ‘knee problems’ according to Transfermarkt.
The Italian recorded the highest number of minutes post-ACL in his last campaign, clocking 2,512 minutes, playing across four different attacking roles while netting 10 goals and three assists.
Indeed, it seems as though his injury concerns may not be as bad as some casual observers may fear.
Italian journalist Lorenzo Bettoni speaking to RedmenTV said: “He is one of the top five Italian players right now, easily. If you can keep him fit, it is a great signing.
“For 15 million (Euros), especially for clubs in the Premier League, it can be a bargain.”
And while many fans are wondering why such a previously highly rated player is available on a cut price deal, with some thinking it must owe to the Italian’s injury record, however it is just simply the decision of new Juventus boss, Thiago Motta, to leave him out as he reshaped his squad.
He said: “Chiesa is out for transfer reasons, the same as the others who were left behind, other than Fabio Miretti who is injured.
“We have been very clear with them. They are talented, but must find other options where they will get more playing time. For Chiesa and the others, the decision has been made.”
The fee in the range of £11million could be considered a coup for the Reds, who could provide a club for the winger to reignite his career.