Liverpool look unlikely to do any further transfer business as Friday’s deadline comes into view.
The Reds have been frustratingly quiet this summer, failing to add depth in a couple of weak areas of the squad.
Nevertheless, the wider disappointment should not disguise the fact that Federico Chiesa could be an exceptional signing for Liverpool.
Chiesa was signed on the cheap from Juventus and looks set to be Arne Slot’s sole addition to boost the Liverpool squad in the here and now.
Given the cheapness of the deal and the Italian’s chequered recent injury history, question marks have arisen over the wisdom of signing Chiesa. But Slot seemingly thinks he has a secret weapon to get the best out of the winger.
Arne Slot betting on Federico Chiesa fitness
Upon signing for Liverpool on Thursday, Chiesa was asked to comment on his current fitness situation.
The 26-year-old picked up an unfortunate ACL injury in 2022 and has been blighted by niggling issues since returning from that.
But Chiesa claimed that he is ready to go straight away and will turn out whenever he is asked to by Slot.
Although the head coach admitted that that is unlikely at this moment, he did confirm that Chiesa will begin training with Liverpool on Friday.
And according to The Daily Mail, Slot and the Liverpool coaching staff are also confident that their new signing can overcome his injury history at Anfield.
In order for Chiesa to do that, Liverpool are said to be ready to put head of conditioning Ruben Peeters to work.
Peeters helped Feyenoord to have one of the best injury prevention records in Europe last season and Slot is reportedly expecting him to transfer that to Chiesa this term.
Jamie Carragher offers Federico Chiesa reaction
Although Liverpool supporters might have preferred their club to sign a new defensive midfielder or centre-back, Chiesa’s addition is undoubtedly an exciting one.
One man who has given his stamp of approval is former Reds defender Jamie Carragher.
Speaking on deadline day, Carragher said the deal to sign Chiesa is ‘fantastic‘ while Steven Gerrard also reacted positively to the transfer.
The one caveat is obviously if Chiesa can stay fit. Liverpool have notoriously had problems with injury-prone players in the past.
But with Peeters now on board, things have started positively from an availability standpoint. Let’s hope the Belgian can continue his good work with Chiesa.
