Juventus’ Tough Stance on Federico Chiesa Before Liverpool Move

Liverpool’s signing of Federico Chiesa late in the transfer window has raised eyebrows, not just because of his undeniable talent but due to how harshly Juventus handled his exit. Juventus made it clear that the Italian winger was no longer part of their future plans, ultimately leading to his cut-price transfer to Anfield.

Juventus and Chiesa: A Fractured Relationship

It’s hard to fathom how a player of Chiesa’s calibre, previously valued at around £100 million, was allowed to leave Juventus for a mere £10 million, potentially rising to £12.5 million with clauses. Juventus director Cristiano Giuntoli provided some insight into the decision-making process behind the scenes, sharing blunt details about Chiesa’s place—or lack thereof—in the squad.

“We have been clear with Federico Chiesa, he was no longer part of our project,” Giuntoli said, speaking openly about Juventus’ decision to part ways with the winger. “We found the best solution possible for all parties and I wish him all the best at Liverpool.”

This stark message underlined the inevitability of Chiesa’s departure. Despite being Juventus’ second-top scorer last season, contributing significantly with 4.79 shots created per 90 minutes, the winger found himself on the periphery of new manager Thiago Motta’s plans. Reports indicate that Chiesa didn’t even feature in pre-season matches, reinforcing the perception that Juventus were willing to move on without him.

Liverpool’s Gain, Juventus’ Potential Regret

Liverpool, on the other hand, seem to have secured a bargain. For just £10 million upfront, they’ve brought in a player capable of producing moments of magic. Chiesa’s ability to impact games—whether through his skill in beating defenders, his knack for creating chances, or his clinical finishing—is something Liverpool manager Arne Slot will be eager to harness.

Liverpool’s tactical setup under Slot, with its high-pressing and counter-attacking style, seems tailor-made for a player of Chiesa’s attributes. His dribbling prowess and quick transitions from defence to attack will likely see him thrive in the Premier League. It’s also worth noting that Chiesa, despite being unwanted by Juventus, remains a player of international quality. Italy have continued to rely on his services, and it’s clear that his abilities haven’t gone unnoticed outside Turin.

Chiesa Under Slot: A Perfect Fit?

For Liverpool, the acquisition of Chiesa adds depth to their already potent attack, while also bringing a dynamic element to the wing. The combination of his speed, creativity, and eye for goal will provide Slot with more tactical flexibility, especially in matches where Liverpool need to break down deep-lying defences or hit on the counter-attack.

Given his recent injury struggles, there will naturally be concerns about whether Chiesa can reach his previous heights. However, at 26 years old, he’s at an age where players often hit their peak. If Slot can get the best out of him, Chiesa has the potential to become one of the standout signings of the season. For Juventus, this could be a decision they live to regret, particularly if Chiesa flourishes on Merseyside.

Juventus’ Gamble

Juventus’ decision to part ways with Federico Chiesa for such a modest fee will undoubtedly spark debate. Was it a calculated gamble to offload a player they no longer saw as central to their ambitions, or could it become one of their most regrettable sales in recent years?

What remains clear is that Liverpool have capitalised on Juventus’ willingness to move on from Chiesa. While it’s too early to declare the transfer a resounding success, the early signs are that Liverpool may have secured one of the steals of the summer. As for Juventus, the outcome of this decision could weigh heavily on their future—especially if Chiesa goes on to recapture his best form at Anfield.