- 9 hours ago
OFFICIAL: Liverpool complete Federico Chiesa transfer
Liverpool have officially completed the signing of Federico Chiesa.
The Reds' transfer window has burst into life shortly before the deadline. Liverpool had signed nobody at all until August 27 when they finally unveiled Giorgi Mamardashvili as a new recruit for 2025.
Now, however, they have managed to quickly secure another big-name arrival. Federico Chiesa has joined on a permanent deal from Juventus - and it looks a real bargain.
READ MORE: Liverpool confirm €35m Mamardashvili transfer for 2025
The Bianconeri were desperate to offload him, with coach Thiago Motta publically stating that the Euro 2020 winner had become surplus to requirements. This meant that the Old Lady were prepared to give up his services for a cut price.
Liverpool have signed the Italian for just €15 million on a four-year contract.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 29, 2024
Chiesa's emotional goodbye
Taking to Instagram, Chiesa left a message for Juve fans while aiming a jibe at the directors of the Turin giants.
"The time has come to conclude this journey with you, Juventus fans," he wrote. "I would like to dedicate a few words to thank you for the great affection you have always shown me, affection that I will always carry in my heart.
"I have grown with you and with Juventus, both as a man and as a footballer. You have supported me in good times and in difficult times, and for this I will always be grateful to you. In these four years, I have had the opportunity to work with players, staff and coaches of the highest level. You have been like a family to me and, even in the most complicated moments, you have helped me get back up. I will always carry with me the memories of joy that we shared.
"Now, in saying goodbye, I would like to clarify the issue of the contract renewal. I never received any offer from Juventus and, consequently, there has never been a request from me or my entourage regarding an increase or a reduction in my salary. I was informed that I would not be part of the project even before the start of training with the team.
"I thank you once again for your constant support.
"Thank you, Juventus. Until the end."
Slot to revive Chiesa's career?
Despite the minuscule fee, signing Chiesa is a slight gamble on the part of Liverpool, although the money involved and the rapid manner in which a deal was struck also reflects brilliantly on the new recruitment hierarchy.
The 26-year-old used to tear Serie A apart until his career was abruptly halted by an ACL injury. Since then, he has never quite been the same and appears to have lost a yard of pace.
READ MORE: Latest Liverpool transfer news
Chiesa's development was not helped by Massimiliano Allegri's cautious style at Juventus and it is therefore unsurprising that the Bianconeri decided to cut their losses now rather than losing him for nothing next summer.
Despite all of the above, Chiesa remains an eminently talented player and notched nine goals and three assists in 33 Serie A outings last season. That is more goals than his direct competitor at Liverpool, Luis Diaz, managed in the same number of Premier League games.
Arne Slot, who has made a habit of developing players, will fancy himself to be able to revive Chiesa's career at Anfield.