Michael Owen has praised Liverpool for securing a cut-priced deal to sign Federico Chiesa during the summer transfer window.
The Italian international joined for an initial £10million from Juventus, which could ultimately rise to £12.5m.
Chiesa had starred as part of Italy’s run to winning the European Championships in 2021, before a serious injury halted his progress.
Liverpool believed they had pulled off a bargain deal for a proven player, capable of adding depth to their forward line, which already includes Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo.
Owen believes Chiesa is aware that he is unlikely to play every game for Liverpool, but claimed the club used its illustrious history to convince him to make the move.
‘I like him as a player, I think he’s got a lot of class,’ Owen told DAZN. He’s obviously experienced as well and I think he’s a good player to bring in to bolster the squad. I don’t think he or anyone else is under any illusions that he’s going to play every single game.
Federico Chiesa joined Liverpool in a cut price move from Juventus in the transfer window
Michael Owen believes Liverpool’s illustrious history helped seal the cut-price transfer
Chiesa made his first start for Liverpool in their Carabao Cup victory against West Ham
‘He’s probably not anticipated starting lots of games but his performances will dictate that.
‘If he does really well then of course he’s going to hold a place down but as things start at the early stage of the season, I would suggest that he will be more of an impact player and he’s going to have to play his way into the team.
‘However, as I say he’s got class, he’s got experience, he’s obviously a talented lad, and speaks the language so hopefully he settles in pretty well and then we’ll see after that. I think it’s a really good buy.
‘I think if you were a lesser team you might have to pay a bit more but because he would probably want a move like this once it was announced that maybe he was leaving I think he would want a move like this, so it works for everybody.
’Liverpool has almost utilised the club, the badge, the history, and everything else to get somebody who might be worth a little bit more than they’ve paid. I think it’s been a good signing, but again time will tell.’
Chiesa has made three appearances for Liverpool since joining the club in the summer.
The 26-year-old had 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 vast forward options
Chiesa had spent four years at Juventus but was not included in the clubs plans going forward
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 stated that the club had been ‘very honest’ with Chiesa over the summer, after the forward was left out of their squad in pre-season and not offered a new contract.
‘With clarity and simplicity, with the player and his entourage we’ve always been very honest,’ Giuntoli told Corriere della Sera, when asked about how the club had dealt with Chiesa.
‘All together we’ve looked for the best solution for the player, who is very strong and we wish him all the best possible.’