Michael Owen reveals how Liverpool sealed cut-price Federico Chiesa deal – as former star hails ‘classy’ £12.5m summer signing

Michael Owen has praised Liverpool for securing a competitively priced deal to sign Federico Chiesa during the summer transfer window.

The Italy international joined from Juventus for an initial fee of £10 million, which could eventually rise to £12.5 million.

Chiesa played a key role in Italy’s bid to win the 2021 European Championships before a serious injury halted his progress.

Liverpool believed they had secured a bargain for a proven player capable of adding depth to their attacking line, which already includes Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo.

Owen believes Chiesa is aware he is unlikely to play every game for Liverpool but claims the club have used his illustrious history to convince him to make the move.

Michael Owen believes Liverpool’s illustrious history helped seal the bargain transfer

Chiesa made his first start for Liverpool in their Carabao Cup win against West Ham

“I like him as a player, I think he has a lot of class,” Owen said DAZN. He obviously has a lot of experience and I think he is a good player to strengthen the team. I don’t think he or anyone else is under any illusions that he’s going to play every game.

‘He’s probably not expected to play many games, but his performances will dictate that.

‘If he does really well then of course he will keep a place but with things starting to get going in the early stages of the season I would suggest he will be more of an impact player and he will work his way to the top will have to play. the team.

“But like I said, he’s got class, he’s got experience, he’s obviously a talented guy and he speaks the language, so hopefully he’ll adapt well and we’ll see. I think it’s a really good buy.

“I think if you were a smaller team you might have to pay a little bit more, but because he would probably want a move like this as soon as it became known that he might be leaving, I think he would want a move like this, so it works for everyone.

‘Liverpool have almost used the club, the badge, the history and everything else to find someone who might be worth a little more than he paid. I think it was a good signing, but time will tell.”

Chiesa has made three appearances for Liverpool since joining the club this summer.

The 26-year-old made his first start for the Reds in their 5-1 win over West Ham in the Carabao Cup in midweek.

Owen believes Chiesa is unlikely to play every game due to Liverpool’s towering forwards

Chiesa had spent four years at Juventus but was not included in the club’s future plans

Chiesa had spent four years at Juventus after joining from Fiorentina, but the Italian giants opted to cash in this summer as he entered the final year of his contract.

Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli said the club had been “very fair” to Chiesa last summer after the forward was left out of the squad in pre-season and did not offer a new contract.

“With clarity and simplicity, we have always been very honest with the player and his entourage,” Giuntoli told Corriere della Sera, when asked how the club had dealt with Chiesa.

“All in all, we have looked for the best solution for the player, who is very strong, and we wish him all the best.”