Roberto Di Matteo claims Mohamed Salah’s replacement is already in Liverpool’s squad

Federico Chiesa has been considered a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah at Liverpool if the Egyptian forward departs this summer.

Roberto Di Matteo, a former Italy international, believes Chiesa possesses the skill to make a significant impact at Anfield, provided he can maintain his fitness.

Liverpool acquired Chiesa from Juventus in the summer of 2024 for a relatively low £10 million, which many saw as a bargain. However, the 27-year-old’s time at Liverpool has been hindered by injuries.

So far, Chiesa has only made eight appearances and hasn’t yet started a Premier League match. Speculation about a return to Italy emerged in January, but Chiesa remained with Liverpool.

Roberto Di Matteo Discusses Chiesa

In an interview with GOAL in collaboration with BetMGM, Di Matteo shared his opinion on Chiesa’s future at Liverpool.

“I definitely think he can be a success. He is one of the best Italian players. His only downfall has been injuries,” Di Matteo stated.

He also praised Liverpool for their decision to sign Chiesa, believing the player still has the potential to prove himself.

“I can see why Liverpool would sign him. It’s a fantastic club, always challenging for the Premier League and Champions League. It’s not easy to break into the team with Mo Salah and Luis Diaz ahead of him, but I think he will be an asset in the second half of the season,” Di Matteo added.

With Salah’s contract nearing its end, Liverpool may soon need a new star on the right wing. When asked if Chiesa could step into Salah’s role, Di Matteo acknowledged it would be a tough task.

“Who can fill Mo Salah’s void? That’s a big ask. His numbers are staggering. I’m not sure Chiesa can fill his shoes, but he can contribute a lot to the team,” he said.

Chiesa recently scored his first goal for Liverpool in an FA Cup victory over Accrington Stanley. He has since made three additional appearances as a substitute and is hoping to play a more prominent role in the upcoming months.

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Liverpool set to complete Anis Hadj Moussa’s summer transfer

Liverpool is reportedly interested in signing 22-year-old Algerian international Anis Hadj Moussa from Feyenoord for €12 million in the upcoming summer transfer window.

According to Africa Foot, the Reds are keen on adding a wide attacker to their squad, given the uncertainty surrounding Mohamed Salah’s long-term future at the club. As a result, Liverpool plans to complete the transfer for Moussa, with a deal expected to be worth €12 million when the summer window opens.

Who is Anis Hadj Moussa?

Anis Hadj Moussa is regarded as one of the brightest young attacking talents globally, although his output has been limited so far. Born in Paris, Moussa’s youth career took him through the academies of three French clubs before he graduated from RC Lens’ youth system.

However, it was in Belgium and the Netherlands where the 22-year-old truly made a name for himself. Since joining Feyenoord from Patro Eisden in the summer, Moussa has made significant strides, contributing six goals and two assists in 22 appearances across all competitions this season.

Moussa’s development has not gone unnoticed, drawing the attention of several top clubs around Europe. Premier League teams, in particular, are eager to secure the services of the Algerian, with Liverpool being one of the frontrunners for his signature ahead of the summer transfer window.

Premier League move on the horizon?

Liverpool’s interest in Moussa makes sense, especially with the ongoing doubts about Mohamed Salah’s future. The Egyptian forward has hinted that the 2024/25 season could be his final one with the club. While Liverpool cannot afford to lose Salah, they need to plan for the future.

As a result, Moussa has become a realistic target, with Africa Foot reporting that Liverpool is set to finalize a €12 million deal to bring the winger to Anfield in the summer.

Though Moussa may not immediately replace Salah, he has the potential to develop into a key player for Liverpool. It will be intriguing to see if the transfer of the Algerian international materializes.