Liverpool make final summer transfer decision | OneFootball

Liverpool Make Position Clear on Federico Chiesa Amid Besiktas Links

Reds unwilling to entertain exit talk

Liverpool are not prepared to encourage any interest in Federico Chiesa, despite reports linking the Italian forward with a surprise move to Besiktas. The Turkish Super Lig club still have until 12 September to complete signings, leaving speculation swirling over the future of the 27-year-old, but Anfield sources insist the attacker remains part of Arne Slot’s plans.

The rumours emerged shortly after the close of the Premier League transfer window, which shut at 7pm last Monday. While English clubs can no longer complete deals, Turkish sides remain active, and Istanbul giants Besiktas are said to have held exploratory discussions with Liverpool regarding Chiesa.

Photo @LFC on X

Chiesa’s summer speculation

Chiesa has faced repeated questions about his future since joining Liverpool from Juventus in late August 2024 for a deal worth up to £12m. Napoli and Atalanta were reportedly interested in bringing him back to Serie A earlier in the summer, while his absence from Liverpool’s pre-season tour of Hong Kong and Japan through a minor injury only intensified whispers of a potential exit.

However, the forward has already made an impression in the new Premier League campaign. He featured in all three of Liverpool’s opening fixtures, most notably scoring a dramatic late goal in the Reds’ 4-2 victory over Bournemouth at Anfield. That contribution underlined the role the club still see him playing in their evolving attack.

Champions League omission explained

Despite his early involvement, Chiesa was left out of Liverpool’s 23-man Champions League squad for the group stages. The decision raised eyebrows, but the club’s thinking was shaped by UEFA’s homegrown quota rules.

The Reds’ failure to finalise a deadline-day move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi left the club short of eligible homegrown players. As a result, teenager Rio Ngumoha was registered instead, forcing Chiesa to miss out on the initial European list.

Nevertheless, Liverpool continue to view him as a key contributor in domestic competition. With Luis Díaz and Darwin Núñez having departed to Bayern Munich and Al Hilal respectively, Chiesa’s experience and quality are considered vital as Slot reshapes his forward line.

A frontline in transition

Liverpool invested heavily to refresh their attack over the summer, bringing in £125m striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle United alongside young French forward Hugo Ekitike. Ngumoha’s eye-catching pre-season has also pushed him into senior contention.

Within this context, Chiesa’s versatility and pedigree offer balance. He provides a proven option on the flanks and in central areas, complementing Isak’s presence and Ekitike’s development. Slot sees him as an asset in what is very much a transitional year for the club’s attack.

Player’s own stance

Chiesa himself has publicly hinted at his willingness to remain on Merseyside. Speaking back in June, the Italian international said:“The year is over. But it’s an experience I would do again. Soon I will sit down at the table with the club, Fali (Ramadani, agent) and my family to find the best solution. I wouldn’t mind staying in Liverpool at all.”

That sentiment, coupled with his early-season contributions, makes any imminent departure highly unlikely.

Liverpool’s firm response

While Besiktas may continue to explore possibilities up to their deadline, Liverpool’s stance is clear: Chiesa is not for sale. The player’s exclusion from the Champions League squad is seen internally as a technicality rather than a signal of reduced importance.

With Slot committed to moulding a new frontline following the high-profile exits of Díaz and Núñez, the Italian forward is set to play a valuable role in domestic competition.