On Wednesday, TuttoSport hailed Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa for his willingness to take a wage cut to push through a Juventus return.
This was likely to help the Italian giants, who are prepared to make a new offer for the winger. Whilst thye can cover a potential transfer fee, the salary matching was an issue.
Juventus’ initial approach was a loan with an option to buy. So far, Liverpool have been seeking guarantees over a permanent transfer, so with an obligation attached.
Chiesa arrived for €12-15m in 2024 and that is what the Reds want to let the player depart.
With the return progressing, and confidence building, criticism is emerging for how Liverpool have been using the attacker.
Tuttomercatoweb have spoken to Maurizio Romei, who is the president of Chiesa’s first club Settignanese. He was asked about the Italy international’s limited playing time at Anfield.
He responded: “I hoped he’d get a lot more playing time, especially because English football suits him well. There’s more space there and they’re less cautious.
“I watch all the Premier League games, and that’s why I say that. But they haven’t used him much, aside from any minor injuries he may have had. He, by the way, performed very, very well.”
Arne Slot doesn’t trust Liverpool player
Romei was then asked why Arne Slot doesn’t trust the player.
“Liverpool have the right forwards, starting with Salah. I don’t really understand it. Chiesa hasn’t made any enemies, quite the opposite: you saw the hugs he received when he scored.
“l’ve heard everything he said: he always speaks highly of the coach. The fans love him, in fact. It’s a mystery.”
He made it clear that Chiesa will help Juve improve as a team under Luciano Spalletti.
“He would certainly raise the bar. Spalletti is aiming for the Scudetto, even though I don’t think he’ll make it because there are some really tough teams.”
“But Spalletti will get results because he’s a great coach. He’s proven it with wins in Naples and elsewhere. He started out with a handicap; it’s not easy to have everything at once.”
This is perhaps indicative of what many in Italy feel about the 28-year-old.
When Chiesa has played, he’s often made an impact. The Italian has contributed to nine goals in all competitions since his arrival, despite playing only 995 minutes.
The fact that Slot didn’t use the Azzurri man in the absence of Mohamed Salah speaks volumes about the situation. The Dutchman doesn’t trust Chiesa enough, even when his options are limited.
That’s why there’s confidence over a quick return to Serie A.