Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson believes the Reds have not made a mistake in signing Federico Chiesa despite the forward barely featuring so far this season
Liverpool have been told they did not make a “silly signing” when snapping up Federico Chiesa during the summer. Chiesa became the only new addition to the Reds squad this season under new boss Arne Slot when signed from Juventus in a deal that could eventually cost £12.5million.
The forward, though, has been hampered by injury and a lack of a proper pre-season, with Slot having previously revealed the player has subsequently struggled with the intensity of English football.
As a consequence, Chiesa has been limited to just 78 minutes of action over three appearances with his only Premier League exposure coming as a substitute towards the end of the 3-0 home win over Bournemouth in September.
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The Italy international hasn’t featured since starting the League Cup win over West Ham United four days later, and won’t be considered for selection for Sunday’s Premier League visit to rock-bottom Southampton.
But former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson is convinced the Reds won’t miss out financially even if they choose to cut ties with Chiesa in the coming months.
“Federico Chiesa is not a silly signing for Liverpool because if they wanted to, they could get their money back on him,” he said.
“It was only (an initial) £10million so they gambled a little bit and he’s probably the fifth-choice forward, so he won’t be playing unless he’s absolutely fit. He’s got to get past the other four and Diogo Jota is coming back this weekend as well.
“If Liverpool want to send him back to Italy to get some games, then they can, but it’s not the end of the world if he stays or goes.”
The Reds are currently top of the Premier League table, five points clear of champions Manchester City with fellow contenders Arsenal a further four points adrift.
And speaking to Paddy Power, Lawrenson added: “Liverpool aren’t underdogs in the title race now. Everyone has seen what they have, they’ve been fortunate with no major injuries but they’re all happy. The strikers are scoring, they’re not really conceding, and they’ve had a nice run of games.
“They were comfortable in their defeat of Aston Villa. They’re doing well but it’s still early. If Virgil van Dijk falls over, or Mo Salah does a hamstring, it’s completely different.”