Liverpool transfer ‘collapsed’ after Sunderland made key ‘decision’ on Federico Chiesa follow-up
The latest transfer news and rumours involving Liverpool FC amid suggestions a swoop for Pumas UNAM winger Cesar Huerta collapsed before deadline day.
Liverpool reportedly explored the possibility of signing Mexico international Cesar Huerta before last month’s transfer deadline. The forward had been linked with a summer switch to the Premier League – more specifically Anfield – after an impressive season scoring 12 goals and laying on nine assists in 41 games for Pumas UNAM.
In August, TUDN suggested Huerta was “very close” to becoming Liverpool’s third summer addition – after Giorgi Mamardashvili and Federico Chiesa. The Mexican broadcaster reported that the forward, 23, was set to be loaned out to Championship club Sunderland for the 2024/25 season, before then teaming up with the Reds next summer.
However, that switch is said to have collapsed because Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris “did not endorse” the arrival of Huerta. Now, those claims have seemingly been backed up by Pumas manager Gustavo Lema, who has outlined his pride at Huerta for being on the brink of a move to Anfield.
“El Chino [Huerta] was scouted by one of the best clubs in the world and that’s a source of pride,” said Lema. What are you going to tell people? That you have a player who was scouted by Liverpool?
“No, people want to win and that’s their right. We can’t tell people anything.”
In the end, though, Chiesa was the only outfield signing Liverpool completed to add to the group for the 2024/25 season after the club agreed a cut-price £10million deal with Juventus for the Italy forward. Chiesa could make his debut against Nottingham Forest on Saturday afternoon (3pm) – and will provide competition for Mohamed Salah amid lingering uncertainty over the Egypt superstar and his much-talked-about future at Anfield.
