Steve Nicol delivers his verdict on Liverpool signing Federico Chiesa and whether it’s a good deal

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After a long wait, Liverpool are finally preparing to bring a player through the door at Anfield to bolster Arne Slot’s squad.

Federico Chiesa is currently in Merseyside to formalise a transfer after Liverpool moved swiftly to snap him up from Juventus ahead of deadline day.

The 26-year-old did the first part of his medical yesterday and is set to sign a four-year deal at the club imminently provided there are no complications.

And Steve Nicol feels the Italian’s arrival could ease the pressure on Liverpool if Mohamed Salah leaves, describing his signing as a ‘no brainer.’

Steve Nicol approves Federico Chiesa’s potential Liverpool arrival

Chiesa is set to cost around £13m including add-ons and Nicol believes he can be a valuable squad option for Liverpool

“To get a 26-year-old of his experience with the potential of him getting back to his best – it feels like a no-brainer. He’s not coming in and expecting to play,” Nicol said on ESPN UK’s YouTube channel.

The Liverpool legend feels Chiesa’s presence would present Liverpool with another right-wing option if Salah leaves, with the Egyptian’s contract running out at the end of the current season.

Nicol continued: “The club’s not bringing him to play tomorrow and if you’ve got Salah leaving at the end of the season – which he probably seems like he’s going to be doing – if you can get Chiesa back to his best, then until you bring a superstar in, you can fit him in. For £13m it feels like a no-brainer.”

Where Chiesa is expected to play for Liverpool

Liverpool sources believe Chiesa can emulate Diogo Jota, who has been a big hit at Anfield since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2020.

The Italian – much like Jota – is capable of playing in multiple positions across the frontline and Liverpool will hope he can make a similar impact at the club.

Chiesa’s arrival would allow Slot to manage Salah’s game time and that could in turn increase his productivity.

The Egyptian is the only out-and-out right winger in the Liverpool squad currently and hasn’t had an able deputy at the club since he arrived in 2017.

With Chiesa now set to join the club before the transfer deadline, Salah can be afforded a rest without the Liverpool attack suffering a significant drop in quality on the right wing.

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