Barcelona failed to sign Liverpool star as they couldn't afford the transfer fee - Reports
Barcelona reportedly failed to sign former Juventus midfielder Federico Chiesa - who joined Liverpool this summer - due to financial reasons. The 26-year-old was with the Bianconeri for four seasons.
Initially joining on a two-season loan deal from Fiorentina, Chiesa joined Juve permanently in the summer of 2022. Despite being plagued by injuries, he fared decently, contributing 32 goals and 23 assists in 131 games across competitions.
The Euro 2020 winner won one Serie A title, one Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa Italiana won Juve, but Chiesa was apparently told by new boss Thiago Motta that he was surplus to requirements.
Amidst interest from Barca, Liverpool snapped him up just before the close of the transfer window. It has now emerged that the Blaugrana couldn't complete the transfer due to their continued financial struggles.
As per SPORT (via Managing Barca), Barcelona sporting director Deco told Juve that they didn't have the funds to seal the move. A proposed €10 million payment over five years was turned down, as Juve needed the cash immediately. Moreover, Chiesa didn't want to sign a five-year deal.
The 26-year-old was eventually snapped up by Arne Slot's side for a reported £12.5 million (as per BBC), with £2.5 million of that amount being add-ons based on team performances.
What Barcelona target Federico Chiesa said on joining Liverpool?
Federico Chiesa is 'happy' to join the Reds. The midfielder was last in action at Euro 2024 - where defending champions Italy suffered a Round-of-16 elimination following a 2-0 loss to Switzerland.
The Barcelona target - who made no goal contribution across four games in the continental tournament - has now embarked on a new adventure, as he has joined the Reds on a four-year deal, becoming new boss Arne Slot's first signing.
"I'm so happy to be a Liverpool player," he told the club website (as per BBC). "When Richard Hughes called me and he said, 'do you want to join Liverpool?' – and the coach called me – I said yes immediately because I know the history of this club.
"I know what it represents to the fans. So, I'm so happy, and I can't wait to get started."
However, the Italian might not be in the squad when the Reds visit Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday (September 1), as hinted by Slot (as per AS). It means Chiesa's Liverpool debut is more likely to come after the international break.