Liverpool became the final side in the Premier League to add to its squad this summer, signing Federico Chiesa on the eve of deadline day. Arguably a somewhat surprising move, it has nonetheless enthused Daniel Sturridge, who echoed the thoughts of all fans .
There are some nagging doubts, not least to do with Chiesa's injury record , enough of an issue that Arne Slot had to address it in his latest press conference . There were also other areas of the squad which appeared more in need of reinforcements.
But sporting director Richard Hughes pledged to be opportunistic this summer, and has secured what undoubtedly has to go down as a bargain. Chiesa has been brought to Anfield for just $13m (£10m/€12m) plus a small number of add-ons, which represents a whole lot of bang for FSG's buck.
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Sturridge — who famously enjoyed a prolific 2013/14 campaign with Liverpool alongside Luis Suarez , in a stay which extended to include a Champions League triumph under Jurgen Klopp in 2019 — has weighed in with his opinion on Chiesa. Encouragingly for Reds fans, it's positive.
"Chiesa to Liverpool is a top tier signing," Sturridge wrote on X (formerly, and still better-known as, Twitter). "Really good 1v1 , pace , tenacious and can finish. Genuinely shocked at the price tag,. Mike and Jools strike again lol…"
Michael Edwards and Julian Ward are indeed both back in the Liverpool operation in some capacity this summer. The two former sporting directors have returned to the FSG fold, although it is actually Hughes who now has the direct responsibility for transfer business at Anfield.
But while he might have liked a bit of credit from Sturridge, he'll no doubt appreciate the ringing endorsement of the signing. The former Liverpool striker was certainly not alone in being shocked by the low price tag, a good indication that Hughes' opportunistic approach has paid off in this instance.
There are still question marks over whether this commitment to opportunism has come at the expense of a clear plan to strengthen the areas that need it most, with the reluctance to turn to alternative targets leaving Liverpool a little light in defense and holding midfield. But ultimately, that is none of Chiesa's business.
His arrival must be assessed on its own merits. Liverpool fans would have been happy just to get any sort of deal done after such a long wait — but to add a player of such pedigree and quality can't help but inspire excitement, with Sturridge summing up the mood perfectly.
Liverpool.com says: The traits Sturridge listed could all have described his own style of play as well. It's a notable vote of confidence in Chiesa.
Of course, Sturridge also knows a thing or two about how injuries can really blunt the threat of elite players. But Chiesa has now had a full season back since his ACL injury, and if Slot isn't worried, maybe it's time to just trust the process and go along with the excitement.
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