Federico Chiesa Was A Euro 2020 Star But After A Knee Injury, Is He Still Worth Liverpool’s Pursuit?
Federico Chiesa stood triumphantly on the Wembley pitch after leading Italy to victory in the Euro 2020 final, where Roberto Mancini’s team defeated England on penalties, thanks to Gianluigi Donnarumma’s heroics. Chiesa, after a series of remarkable performances throughout the tournament, appeared to have the football world at his feet. At that time, he was in the first year of a two-year loan at Juventus, a move that was set to become permanent the following summer for a fee rising to €50 million (£42.2 million).
However, fast forward three years, and Chiesa now faces an uncertain future at Juventus, with Liverpool reportedly considering a move for him, potentially available for just €15 million (£12.67 million). So, what led to this change in fortunes for the Italian forward?
Chiesa continued to shine at the start of the next season as Juventus aimed to reclaim the Serie A title after failing to win it in 2020-21 for the first time in a decade. His standout performances included a decisive goal against Chelsea in a Champions League group stage match, further solidifying his reputation in European football.
But disaster struck in January 2022 when Chiesa suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during a match against Roma, which Juventus announced would sideline him for at least seven months. In reality, it took 10 months before he made his long-awaited return to the pitch in November 2022.
Despite this optimism, new Juventus manager Thiago Motta was intent on reshaping his squad this summer, as the club aimed to win their first Serie A title in five years. Several players, including Chiesa, were encouraged to find new clubs.
Motta explained the situation earlier this month, stating, “We were clear internally. We spoke with each of them. We’ve got good players who are used to playing regularly. The club is trying to find solutions for them, and for their own good and the good of everyone, they too have to find solutions as soon as possible.”
Chiesa’s contract has just one year remaining, which is why he may not command a substantial transfer fee if he does leave Juventus. His injury history also works against him, having missed 420 days of action since the start of the 2021-22 season, resulting in 80 missed matches.
As the transfer window deadline approaches, Chiesa’s future remains uncertain, with Liverpool reportedly exploring a move for the talented attacker. Although he may not be at his peak, his form last season suggests he is close to regaining his best.
At a bargain price, and with the opportunity for Liverpool manager Arne Slot to bolster his attacking options, signing Chiesa could be a risk worth taking for the Reds if they decide to move forward in the coming days. However, until a deal is finalized, the career of Italy’s Euro 2020 hero remains at a crossroads.