Federico Chiesa has revealed his excitement for a “new adventure” as he closes in on a late summer move to Liverpool.
The Italian forward looks set to swap Juventus for Anfield before Friday night’s transfer deadline, with reports of Liverpool’s interest in his services first emerging at the start of the week.
Such speculation then quickly gathered pace, culminating in multiple outlets claiming on Tuesday night that the Reds were pressing ahead with a deal and had agreed an initial £10million fee plus a further £2.5m in add-ons.
Chiesa was said to be poised to sign a four-year contract on Merseyside and earlier on Wednesday was filmed at Turin Airport preparing to depart for Liverpool, where he will undergo a medical and complete the formalities of the deal.
Journalists present managed to catch a brief word with Chiesa before his departure, with the 26-year-old expressing his delight at the impending transfer and also expressing thanks to Juventus fans after four years at the club.
"I'm really happy and ready for this new adventure," he said. "I want to thank the Juventus fans, thanks for all the affection over the years, I'll keep you in my heart, thanks Juventus.
"I'm really, really happy, we can't wait, me and my family."
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Chiesa will be the first signing for this season made by Liverpool following what has been a notably quiet first transfer window at the helm for new boss Arne Slot since succeeding Jurgen Klopp, leading to some fan criticism of new sporting director Richard Hughes.
On Tuesday, Liverpool announced an agreement to sign Giorgi Mamardashvili in a deal believed to be worth up to £29m, with the Georgian goalkeeper remaining at LaLiga side Valencia for the rest of this season before heading to Anfield in time for the 2025/26 campaign.
The versatile Chiesa - a standout star during Italy’s run to Euro 2020 glory at Wembley - will have a point to prove in English football, having initially shone at Juventus on loan from domestic rivals Fiorentina before suffering from injuries in recent times.
He made a total of 131 appearances across all competitions for the Bianconeri, scoring 32 goals and registering 23 assists having previously netted 34 times in 153 games for Fiorentina.
Chiesa may hope to have some involvement in Liverpool’s third Premier League match of the new season against fierce rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, though it’s worth noting that he has yet to play at all this term with Juventus having put him up for sale earlier in the window.
