Liverpool’s acquisition of Federico Chiesa is justified after a more expensive alternative misses out on a Ballon d’Or nomination

Liverpool explored various forward options this summer before choosing to sign Federico Chiesa. An alternative option from Real Madrid, however, has been overlooked by the Ballon d’Or selectors.

This year’s Ballon d’Or will see a new winner, as Lionel Messi, considered the greatest of all time, and Cristiano Ronaldo, his closest rival, are both absent from the 30-man shortlist for the first time since 2003. Karim Benzema and Luka Modric, the only other active former winners, are also not on the list. Despite the absence of these prominent figures, no Liverpool players are among the nominees.

It’s understandable that Liverpool players, who added only a Carabao Cup to their achievements, might be excluded in favor of those who have won league titles or the Champions League. However, a player who could have joined Liverpool this summer—before the club acquired Federico Chiesa—had also secured those major trophies but was still passed over for players without such accolades.

In a slightly different scenario, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo could have been presented as a new member of Arne Slot’s team last week. Although linked with a move to Liverpool, Rodrygo chose to stay in Spain.

The Brazilian is unlikely to regret his decision, having secured the Champions League, La Liga, and UEFA Super Cup in 2024. Yet, he might question why players like Declan Rice or Harry Kane received Ballon d’Or nominations over him.

Considering the financial aspect, Liverpool would have needed to make a significant investment to sign Rodrygo during the recent transfer window. The 23-year-old, under contract for another four years, is valued by Transfermarkt at $122m (£93m/€110m), making him one of the 12 most valuable players globally.

Rodrygo also earns $268k (£205k/€240k) weekly, according to FBRef. This salary would make him Liverpool’s third highest earner even before accounting for the standard wage increase associated with such a transfer.

In contrast, Chiesa, who is tied for fifth in Liverpool’s salary rankings, was signed for a total cost of around $58m (£44m/€52m), including his transfer fee and add-ons—about half of Rodrygo’s value before considering his high wages.

While comparing the two players, Rodrygo’s injury-free record contrasts with Chiesa’s history of injuries. However, from a value-for-money perspective, Liverpool made a prudent choice. After all, neither player has been nominated for the Ballon d’Or.