Federico Chiesa joined Liverpool for £10m, plus £2.5m in add-ons from Juventus, a deal that is labelled a bargain considering Chiesa’s talents and the transfer prices of players today.
Liverpool was less busy in the transfer market following the arrival of their new manager, Arne Slots. Their first summer signing is goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, who is seen as the long-term replacement for Allison Becker and was loaned back to Valencia.
Federico Chiesa was one of the big things in World football after helping Italy win the Euros in 2020, but injuries have marred his career over the years.
There have been questions about whether Liverpool made the right decision to sign Federico Chiesa, given his poor injury records and the intensity of the Premier League.
However, former Premier League defender Micah Richards insisted that Liverpool had made the right choice and that he could prove to be the best transfer in the Premier League this season.
What did Micah Richards say about Federico Chiesa?
He said on The Rest is Football podcast: “Not only can he play on the left wing, he can play on the right wing, you could play him in a wing back system, you could play him at right back if need be. He’s so versatile, and he’s got electric pace.
“Having watched Serie A, I think at times the game was a little bit closed. I think in the Premier League because the game is stretched, he’ll have more space.
“We’re judging him recently off international football and playing in Serie A where defenders love to defend and it’s all about the tactics. Over here it’s more about the passion and the speed and the power. I think it suits [him].
“He didn’t have a bad season last year, he still got nine goals in the league. Why I think it’s such a great buy is the money they paid for him which is £12.5million.
“I think he’s going to be the signing of the transfer window in terms of… you’re not spending £50million for him. Two or three seasons ago he was worth £100million.”
Alan Shearer also agrees that Federico Chiesa to Liverpool for £10m, plus £2.5m in add-ons, is a good deal.
The Premier League all-time goal scorer said: “I think it’s a no-brainer for the fee. It’s a punt, it’s a gamble, but it’s one that’s without a doubt worth taking.
“If it works, great and it looks amazing business. If it doesn’t, then it’s £12million. In the grand scheme of things for clubs nowadays, that’s nothing.
“It’s a great punt from Liverpool. If they can get him fit, if they can get him right then they’ve got a very, very good player.”
The Italian international is likely to make his Liverpool debut after the international break when Liverpool hosts Nottingham Forest at Anfield.
