Federico Chiesa signs contract extension

Pantaleo Corvino spoke a few months ago about his desire to keep Federico Chiesa at Fiorentina for the long term, and by god if he hasn’t gone out and done just that. The extension will keep one of Serie A’s most promising young attackers at the club until 2021. This is also a big step towards forming a talented and homegrown squad around a pacey and technical group of forward-thinking players. Terms haven’t yet been disclosed, but it certainly contains a hefty pay raise for the teenager as well.

The 19-year-old Chiesa made his first senior appearance for the club in their season opener against Juventus and impressed with his willingness to beat his defender and make something happen. Now an easy first-choice pick for Paulo Sousa on the right wing, the U20 international has made 14 appearances this season, notching a goal and an assist. His confidence is only matched by his technique, and he’ll be an absolute menace if he can make his end product more consistent.

Per Corvino’s earlier discussion, this is just the beginning. Ianis Hagi will be extended next (he sounds very ready to sign), and Federico Bernardeschi could renegotiate his contract to insert a massive buyout clause as well. The prospect of those three playing behind the striker (Khouma Babacar, anyone?) is tantalizing and with on-loan prospects like Lorenzo Venuti, Andy Luzayadio Bangu, Jaime Baez, and Simone Minelli all waiting in the wings along with Primavera stars Giacomo Satalino, Adam Chrzanowski, Abdou Diakhate, Josip Maganjic, Josh Perez, and Gabriele Gori, the future looks pretty dang bright.