LFC Legend on Chiesa Deal: ‘For £13m it’s a drop in the ocean’ | OneFootball

Chiesa to Liverpool: Fantastic Signing, Says Stevie Nicol

Liverpool’s latest acquisition of Federico Chiesa has drawn considerable attention, particularly from ESPN FC’s Stevie Nicol. In a recent podcast, Nicol and fellow pundits discussed the significance of this signing, emphasizing how it could be a game-changer for Liverpool.

Why Chiesa Makes Sense for Liverpool

Stevie Nicol was quick to highlight the economic sense of this move. “For £13 million, it’s a drop in the ocean, isn’t it?” he remarked, stressing that getting a player of Chiesa’s caliber and potential at such a price is “an absolute no-brainer.” At 26, Chiesa has plenty of years left to offer top-tier football, and his versatility could be a major asset for Liverpool, especially considering Mohamed Salah’s uncertain future.

Nicol also pointed out that Chiesa isn’t being brought in to be an immediate starter. “He’s certainly not coming in expecting to play tomorrow,” he noted. The Italian winger’s role will likely evolve, especially if Liverpool moves forward without Salah next season.

Betting on Himself

Gab Marcotti chimed in on the discussion, explaining that Chiesa’s move is also a testament to his self-confidence. “Chiesa is betting on himself,” Marcotti stated. He emphasized that Chiesa doesn’t fear the competition within Liverpool’s squad, which already boasts a plethora of attacking options like Jota, Nunez, and Diaz. Marcotti believes that Chiesa views this as an opportunity to “play on the biggest stage in the world,” and possibly earn a lucrative new contract if he performs well.

Risk Worth Taking?

While there is always some risk involved in signing a player who has struggled with injuries, Nicol sees this as a calculated gamble. “If it comes in and he’s injured 80% of the time, it’s going to be a waste,” he admitted. However, Nicol also argued that the relatively low transfer fee minimizes the risk for Liverpool. “You’re not shelling out millions and millions,” he said, making it clear that Liverpool are not overpaying for Chiesa.

The Bigger Picture for Liverpool

The panel also discussed the broader implications of Chiesa’s signing for Liverpool’s strategy. Nicol noted that Liverpool isn’t just looking for “big stars that are £100 million,” but rather players who can “make a difference and maybe rejuvenate their careers.” Chiesa fits this mold perfectly, as a player who was once considered a top talent but now needs a fresh start to revive his career.

In summary, Federico Chiesa’s move to Liverpool has been met with approval from ESPN FC’s panel, particularly Stevie Nicol. They see it as a low-risk, high-reward signing that could pay off significantly for the Reds. As Nicol put it, “It’s a no-brainer.”