Chiesa joins Liverpool in cut-price deal after falling out of favor at Juventus

Federico Chiesa is a Liverpool player after the Premier League club offered him an escape route from being frozen out at Juventus.

Liverpool paid Juve an initial €12 million with a further €3 million in add-ons.

Chiesa's "long-term" contract signed with the Reds runs for four years, BBC Sport reports.

"When (sporting director) Richard Hughes called me, and he said, 'Do you want to join Liverpool?' - and the coach (Arne Slot) called me - I said yes immediately because I know the history of this club, I know what it represents to the fans.

"I'm so happy, and I can't wait to get started."

Chiesa is Liverpool's second signing of the Slot era. Goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili was the first arrival in a deal struck with Valencia on Tuesday, but he won't join the club until next summer.

Chiesa should soon challenge Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, and other members of Liverpool's impressive attacking contingent for game time. The 26-year-old Italian attacker progressed through Fiorentina's ranks and made 153 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring 34 goals and providing 18 assists.

He moved to Juventus in 2016 and played 131 times for the Bianconeri. Chiesa logged 32 goals and 20 assists over that time, including last season's haul of 10 goals and two assists, despite suffering an ACL injury in January 2022 and numerous other fitness issues. He won two Coppa Italias and one Supercoppa Italiana with Juve.

Chiesa was named in Euro 2020 best XI as he appeared in all seven matches during Italy's triumphant run. He has 51 caps and seven goals for his country.