Journalist: Liverpool star expected to stay despite recent rumours | OneFootball

Federico Chiesa Expected to Stay at Liverpool Despite Transfer Rumours

Liverpool’s January transfer window rarely passes without rumour, but the current climate around Federico Chiesa carries a sharper edge. With Serie A heavyweights Juventus and Napoli linked with a potential move, supporters are right to question the logic of any mid season exit, especially when the squad is already stretched to breaking point.

With Mohamed Salah currently away at AFCON, Hugo Ekitike battling fitness issues, and Alexander Isak ruled out long term following a serious leg break, the pressure on Liverpool’s forward line has intensified.

The Italian winger has not been flawless, but in recent weeks he has become one of the few reliable outlets Slot can call upon, providing ball retention, final third unpredictability, and an increase in pressing intensity that has helped Liverpool remain competitive in games they may otherwise have lost.

Squad Depth Reality Check

Liverpool’s attacking depth is currently fragile and David Lynch, who spoke to Dave Davis for Anfield Index, believes it’s reasonable to expect the forward to stay for that reason:

“I think it would have to be for a guaranteed permanent fee because there’s no point in loaning out a player who has been important in recent weeks.”

The point is difficult to argue against. Chiesa’s recent role has elevated him beyond a rotational luxury. He is, at this moment, a necessity. Lynch continued:

“To suddenly cut your squad even thinner when you’ve had the injuries and problems they’ve already got, that wouldn’t make sense.”

Juventus Offer Probability

Juventus may admire Chiesa, but admiration and execution are different currencies. 

“Can you imagine Juventus coming to the table with a serious offer to consider? I find that hard to imagine,” said Lynch.

Juventus’ own budget constraints, and reluctance to spend significant fees mid season, makes a meaningful permanent offer unlikely.

“It’s not really worth thinking about until that does happen,” continued Lynch.

Slot’s Chiesa Dependency

Slot now needs Chiesa more than ever. With few alternatives offering both fitness and tactical alignment, the winger’s role is set to grow further, not shrink. Whether operating from the right, left, or in half spaces, Chiesa is currently one of Liverpool’s few attack minded constants.

Liverpool supporters may not want to see the club block every potential sale, but blocking this one, at this moment, is the correct decision, for footballing reasons, financial sense, and competitive survival.