Federico Chiesa's struggles at Liverpool raise concerns for former Italy star
By Eduardo Razo
Juventus sold Federico Chiesa to Liverpool this past summer transfer window for £10 million upfront, with an extra £2.5 million in add-ons if Liverpool wins the Premier League and Champions League.
The 26-year-old signed a four-year contract at Anfield, reportedly on the same wages he earned at Juventus. After spending his entire senior career in Italy, this move is a big change for Chiesa.
Chiesa has seen limited action for Liverpool this season, with just 78 minutes across three appearances, where he managed to provide one assist. Given his sparse playing time, Liverpool might consider loaning him out to help him get back into form elsewhere, or they might see it as a missed chance to integrate him into the squad.
According to a report last month from Calciomercato, Chiesa is being linked to a potential loan move, with AC Milan, Roma, and Inter Milan reportedly interested as possible destinations.
Former player shares concern for Federico Chiesa
Amid the lack of playing time and rumors of a potential departure from Anfield when the January window opens, former Italian footballer Antonio Cassano weighed in on Chiesa's situation.
"What the hell is happening to Chiesa? He’s still not called up by Italy," Cassano said on the program "Viva el Futbol" (h/t Calciomercato.it). "I thought he was going to Liverpool and play, but he never even plays 10 minutes. I wonder: Is he physically unwell? Has he not settled in? For me, he’s the best, something needs to be understood from a national team perspective. It’s surprising that months have passed. It’s a shame."
Cassano reiterated how important Chiesa’s reintegration is for Italy's future. However, returning to competitive levels necessarily depends on his club situation, where he currently seems stuck in a limbo that's difficult to escape without consistency and continuity on the field.
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