Liverpool transfer latest: Federico Chiesa set for shock Spain switch as La Liga talks begin

A Spanish La Liga club have made an official enquiry over signing Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa this summer.

With just a fortnight to go until the transfer window slams shut, could Andoni Iraola's attacking options undergo a sizeable change? Liverpool are currently chasing a double deal to recruit both Bradley Barcola and Ibrahim Mbaye from Paris Saint-Germain, the pair expected to cost, at least, £150 million combined.

This would surely result in some departures, with Cody Gakpo the forward most strongly linked with a move away, but is Federico Chiesa's future at Anfield also in doubt?

Well, according to Fran Guaita of SER Deportivos Valencia, a move to Spain could be on the cards for the Italian. They claim that Valencia "has made official enquiries" about Chiesa's availability, adding that los Che are seeking a "high-quality game-changer up top who can generate market buzz".

If you've not followed Spanish football for the last decade, you might see that Valencia are interested and assume Chiesa could be heading to one of La Liga's genuine contenders.

On the contrary, Valencia are currently being run into the ground by detested owner Peter Lim. Los Murciélagos have not played in Europe since before the pandemic, avoiding relegation by just two points in 2023. Last season's ninth place finish was their joint-highest since 2018/19.

Put succinctly, this is due to a severe lack of spending, operating as if under austerity measures. Valencia very rarely pay a noteworthy fee above about €5 million for any player while, if someone else makes any sort of offer for one of their key stars, they'll be sold, no questions asked. Giorgi Mamardashvili's €30 million move to Liverpool an example of this.

Thus, if the Reds are hoping to generate a decent fee for Chiesa, who they paid €12 million to sign in the first place, an offer of that size will not be coming their way from Mestalla.

Irrespective of fee, can Liverpool afford to let Chiesa go? Well, since landing on Merseyside from Juventus two summers ago, he has not established himself as a key figure. Of his 50 appearances for the Reds, 41 have been as a substitute, starting only two Premier League games, one of which came against Brighton after the title had been secured.

Right now, Iraola is looking a bit short of right-winger options; Chiesa is seemingly vying for minutes with Víctor Muñoz and Harvey Elliott on that side. However, as already noted, that could be about to change if Mbaye and Barcola join.

The Italian international would almost certainly be a first-choice starter at Valencia, it is just a question of whether or not he'd want to go there, as well as if they can make an offer that makes parting company worthwhile for Liverpool.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow