The disastrous transfer that FC Barcelona avoided in the summer

During the last transfer market, FC Barcelona were close to closing the signing of Federico Chiesa. With his attacking style and ability to unbalance defences, the Italian was seen as a more than interesting piece for Hansi Flick's scheme.

However, the club's financial fair play problems halted the operation, and the transalpine winger ended up signing with Liverpool, where his performance is far from what was expected.

The Italian's current situation at Anfield is more than complicated. Despite having arrived with the expectation of revitalising his career, his participation has been minimal. Since his incorporation on August 29 for 13 million euros, Chiesa has barely added 78 minutes in three games, starting only in the EFL Cup match against West Ham, where he gave an assist.

Liverpool fans and the media are wondering why he is not in the squad, and the player seems to have disappeared from the radar.

Will Chiesa find his best form at Liverpool?

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has tried to justify his absence by claiming a lack of pre-season and physical adaptation. According to him, Chiesa needs more time to reach the level of intensity necessary for the Premier League. "We hope he returns during the international break and then he should be with us," the manager said in a recent press conference.

The winger's lack of prominence is disconcerting, considering that just a few months ago he was a key figure at Juventus and a regular in the Italian national team. Although Barça were unable to complete his signing due to their financial problems, the difficulties he now faces at Liverpool have unintentionally resulted in a relief for the Catalans.

What seemed like a promising signing in the summer is now shaping up to be a nightmare in England, where Chiesa is struggling to make a place for himself in the Merseyside team.