“Has been a bit of a nightmare” - Liverpool legend Dietmar Hamann takes shots at 27-year-old amid Anfield struggles
Former Liverpool star Dietmar Hamann has raised concerns over the Reds' summer signing Federico Chiesa. The Italy International came to Anfield from Juventus for a reported fee of €12 million but has barely featured for the Merseysiders since.
A large part of the problem has been his struggles with fitness. Chiesa has missed 14 matches across competitions this year due to a muscle injury. Speaking to BoyleSports, Hamann said (via GOAL):
"The Chiesa transfer has been a bit of a nightmare, in truth. Everyone thought it was a good fee, but he had a bad injury a few seasons ago and he hasn’t been able to shake it off.
"It’s a new league, new city and I know from experience that when you come to the Premier League, it takes a few weeks and months to adapt. [Juan Sebastian] Veron was touted as the best midfielder in the world at the time and he lasted one season in England."
He added:
"When you come to a new club, and Chiesa came pretty late, you’re always catching up. It’s even harder for him as he isn’t needed right now, too, given Liverpool’s attacking options."
So far this season, Chiesa has made just three appearances across competitions, bagging an assist. He's been given 18 minutes of action in the Premier League so far.
Moreover, Chiesa has to compete with the likes of Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo, among others, for minutes on the left-hand side. The right-wing is currently tied down by Mohamed Salah.
Barcelona move priority for Liverpool winger Luis Diaz in the summer of 2025- Reports
Liverpool winger Luis Diaz's future is currently uncertain with the player's agreement coming to an end in the summer of 2027. According to a report from Colombia’s Antena2, the attacker's conversations over a new agreement at Anfield have halted for now (via Barca Universal).
It is claimed that Diaz will now become available for a transfer in the coming summer and Barcelona is a potential destination. The Blaugrana were seemingly interested in a move for the 27-year-old in 2024 and they still wish to secure the services of the Colombian.
However, a transfer for Diaz will not be cheap with Liverpool said to be demanding a massive €80 million to let go of the player. Up until this point, the winger has made 120 appearances across competitions for the Reds, bagging 33 goals and 16 assists.