Federico Chiesa has made a decision that sets the course of his career. The Italian winger has said "yes" to Napoli and is moving definitively away from FC Barcelona.
A possibility that was once on the table, but that has long been dismissed by the blaugrana board. The reason? Very simple: Joan Laporta has always been clear about it, Chiesa doesn't have Barça level.
A player who promised more than he has delivered
Chiesa was one of the great jewels of Italian soccer. His breakthrough at Fiorentina and his subsequent signing by Juventus placed him as a talent to watch. He even managed to shine with Italy at Euro 2021, being one of the stars of the tournament.
But after that, everything changed: injuries, a drop in form, and a lack of consistency. His time at Liverpool hasn't helped him prove himself. He has barely been considered by the coach and has had a marginal role, what was expected to be his big leap in the Premier League ended up being a stage to forget.
In that context, thinking about playing at Barça was an unrealistic dream.
Laporta closed the door in time
From the blaugrana camp, his name appeared timidly in several transfer windows, but Joan Laporta never showed real interest. Neither Xavi before nor Flick now have requested him. Because Barça is looking for different profiles: game-changers, consistent, physical, and Chiesa doesn't fit that.
The blaugrana president didn't want to risk a single euro on such an uncertain bet, not for lack of quality, but for lack of consistency. Laporta didn't let himself be carried away by nostalgia for a standout Euro or by the name that once inspired hope. Instead, he opted for young players with potential or proven ones with a real present.
Napoli, his new destination
Chiesa has already said "yes" to Napoli, according to journalist Francesco Guerrieri. The agreement between the player and the Italian club is complete. Only the final details between the entities remain to be finalized; if nothing goes wrong, Chiesa will play next season at the Diego Armando Maradona.
He will return to Serie A, where he has always performed better. More comfortable, more supported, and in a team that needs to strengthen after a difficult year. In a way, this signing could be his last big chance to relaunch his career, but he will do it far from the spotlight of the European elite.