View: Federico Chiesa signing could spell trouble for Liverpool star
Liverpool signing Federico Chiesa this summer could seriously hamper the development of Harvey Elliott.
Fabrizio Romano reported on his X account [26 August] that the Reds are exploring a deal for the Italian forward ahead of the 30 August deadline.
Elliott, who is yet to start for Liverpool this season under Arne Slot, has found minutes replacing Mohammed Salah on the wing in the latter stages of matches under Jurgen Klopp.
The 21-year-old can play either on the wing or in midfield and his minutes could be further reduced this season should Chiesa find his way to Anfield this week.
Frederico Chiesa is the opportunistic signing for Liverpool
Hours after the initial report, Romano followed it up on his X account [26 August], that the Italian has given his full availability to Liverpool ahead of a potential move worth £12.6million.
Chiesa, a standout performer for Italy during the Euro 2020 triumph, has spent the last few seasons struggling for fitness after returning from a long-term injury suffered during the 2021/22 season.
He was once valued at around £84m [Football Italia, 14 July 2021] and has shown glimpses of his previous form last season for Juventus despite the Old Lady being so determined to move him on.
A regular Italy international, with just under 300 Serie A appearances under his belt and about to reach his peak years at 26, all for a cut-price cost. This is the prime example of the opportunistic signing that sporting director Richard Hughes has been waiting for.
Harvey Elliott is now facing a pivotal Liverpool season
However, his potential role as deputy to Salah will come at a price – the price of Elliott’s development at the Reds.
The England U21 international stepped up at the business end of last season, scoring one goal and providing four assists in the final six matches of the season as all his teammates suffered a drastic dip in form.
His versatility has been vital for his game time but as the competition for places becomes more intense, he may find himself on the bench more often than not this season.
That being said, there will be more fixtures than ever this season with the change to the Champions League format, and given the injury crisis last term, Slot will need a deep, talented squad to survive the gruelling schedule this year.
Elliott also suffered a long-term injury in the 2021/22 season in a match against Leeds United that ruled him out for the rest of the campaign, but he has avoided the treatment table ever since.
He took strides last year to establish himself as a capable and at times relied-upon member of the Liverpool squad, and it would be a shame to see his talent and potential wasted this season for a player whose best days may be behind him.
In other Liverpool news, Giorgi Mamardashvili is set for his Liverpool medical after an agreement was reached with Valencia.
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