Liverpool should take advantage of Juventus’ off-field problems to finally secure the signing of Federico Chiesa.
Chiesa had been a long-term target for Liverpool before an ACL injury ended his season last January. Now back in action, the 25-year-old is still feeling his way to full fitness.
There’s no guarantee he will return to the form that saw him tear up Euro 2020, that’s true. But if he does, interest should return. This could be Liverpool’s perfect chance.
As per journalist Ben Jacobs on Twitter yesterday, Juve are willing to cash-in on star striker Dusan Vlahovic. The Italians have recently seen the resignation of their entire board amid an investigation into their financial statements (The Guardian).
This has reportedly led to them considering the sale of the likes of Vlahovic, who would still command a hefty fee.
So too, would Chiesa. That now won’t be anywhere near the £86m Liverpool reportedly bid for him back in 2021 (La Repubblica). But his sale would still ease their financial burden. With the Reds also now set to be without Luis Diaz until March, the timing could be right for a January move.
Liverpool’s perfect chance
It’s difficult to deny just how much sense this makes. Of course, it’s worth mentioning that there has been no inclination that Chiesa is one of the players up for sale by Juve.
But given their troubles, it’s safe to assume that everyone has their price. Liverpool may also be wise to look into the situation of reported former target Gleison Bremer, but Chiesa should be the priority.
It does remains to be seen just how much the ACL injury has affected him, though. Previously a player with searing pace, perhaps he won’t quite carry the same danger.
Still, any price is likely to reflect that. Liverpool could well have stumbled upon the perfect storm to get themselves a winter bargain.
Prior to injury he was clearly a player of interest to Jurgen Klopp. Liverpool are claimed to have scouted him as recently as November 2021.
It should be pointed out that these were pre-Luis Diaz days. But given the injuries to both Diaz and Diogo Jota, as well as the need for another longer-term forward option, Chiesa is surely still well worth a punt.
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