Celtic have been linked with a remarkable transfer pursuit involving Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa, a move that would rank among the most eye-catching in recent club history. The Italian international, who arrived at Anfield last summer for a relatively modest £12.5 million fee, has found it difficult to establish himself under Arne Slot as Liverpool powered their way to the Premier League crown.
Reports suggest that Celtic have scouted Chiesa with the intention of convincing him to swap Merseyside for Glasgow. The Glasgow club face stiff competition, with a number of Italian sides monitoring his situation along with several other Premier League teams. Liverpool is understood to value Chiesa as part of their long-term squad plans, but there is recognition that he may want more regular football at this stage in his career. That desire could play into Celtic’s hands, as they can offer both domestic success and the chance to feature in Europe, with a Champions League playoff on the horizon.
The Hoops have just secured their 55th Scottish Premiership crown, and many of the best UK betting sites not on GamStop have already set Celtic at 4/11 to retain the league title next season. The potential arrival of Federico Chiesa could make those odds even shorter, sparking fresh betting interest among supporters and punters. Many of these online sportsbooks appeal to fans by providing competitive football odds, quick payouts through flexible transaction methods, and attractive perks such as welcome rewards, cashback offers, and free bets. For Celtic followers, they offer a natural way to add extra excitement to the campaign while backing the Hoops and their possible marquee signing.
Chiesa built his reputation at Fiorentina, where his pace and flair quickly made him one of Italy’s brightest attacking prospects. He scored 34 goals and provided 26 assists across more than 150 appearances before sealing a high-profile switch to Juventus. His time in Turin was marked by moments of brilliance, including 32 goals and 23 assists in 131 games, but also periods of inconsistency and injury setbacks. Still, his contributions during Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph cemented his reputation as a player capable of delivering on the big stage.
Chiesa’s move to Liverpool in 2024 was seen as a fresh start, but his first year in England has been underwhelming. With fierce competition for attacking roles, Chiesa managed only 14 appearances, scoring twice and setting up another two. While Liverpool remains optimistic about his potential, the winger is thought to be weighing his options, especially with the World Cup on the horizon. For a player eager to represent his country on the grandest stage, consistent playing time could be decisive.
From Celtic’s perspective, the need for reinforcements in wide areas is urgent. Nicolas Kühn’s departure to Como has left a significant gap, compounded by the exit of Luis Palma to Poland and Marco Tilio’s expected move to Rapid Vienna. Even before Kühn’s transfer, Celtic were in the market for another winger due to Jota’s knee injury, which is set to keep him sidelined until the start of next year. In this context, Chiesa’s name emerging as a potential target highlights both the scale of the challenge and the level of ambition in Celtic’s recruitment.
Although such a signing would be difficult to secure, it would undoubtedly excite supporters and provide Brendan Rodgers with a proven talent to elevate his squad. Chiesa may ultimately lean towards a return to Italy, where his reputation remains strong, but the appeal of competing for trophies, playing in the Champions League, and regaining top form ahead of the World Cup could all factor into his decision-making. For Celtic, even being linked with a player of his calibre underscores their intent to strengthen with quality as they aim to maintain domestic dominance and compete in Europe.
