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Chiesa Makes Serie A Preference Clear as Liverpool Exit Looms

Federico Chiesa’s brief and unfulfilled spell at Liverpool appears to be nearing its conclusion. After just one season on Merseyside, the Italian winger seems poised for an exit, with strong suggestions he is seeking a permanent return to Italy. According to Calciomercato, “Chiesa has now made his transfer preference clear if he is to leave Liverpool, which he’s intending to do permanently rather than on loan.”

Signed for £10 million from Juventus in August 2024, the 27-year-old was a calculated gamble for a Liverpool side navigating both transition and expectation under Arne Slot. Injuries, however, plagued his first year. He made just 14 appearances across all competitions, with only one Premier League start, according to Transfermarkt. With no place in the squad for Liverpool’s pre-season tour of the Far East, his exclusion spoke volumes about his future.

Serie A Return Beckons for Chiesa

Chiesa’s preference is understood to be a return to Serie A, where his stock remains high despite his misfortunes in England. Calciomercato reports that “despite interest from the Saudi Pro League and Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce, the 27-year-old is set to snub the ex-Manchester United manager in favour of a return to Serie A.”

Photo IMAGO

Clubs such as Atalanta, AS Roma, Napoli and AC Milan have been linked, with the latter two emerging as frontrunners due to Chiesa’s previous relationships with Max Allegri and Antonio Conte. For a player seeking “a club where he can return to prominence and benefit from a top-level salary,” the fit seems natural.

Liverpool, according to the same report, are hopeful of recouping €15 million (£13 million), though a slightly lower fee may be accepted to facilitate a move before the window closes.

Frustrated Opportunity at Anfield

Chiesa’s potential was never in doubt, but the timing of his Liverpool move and subsequent injury setbacks worked against him. Luis Diaz’s imminent sale to Bayern Munich has thinned Liverpool’s attacking depth, yet Chiesa still finds himself on the periphery.

It is telling that he was not given the opportunity to travel with Slot’s squad for pre-season. With Mohamed Salah expected to miss part of the campaign due to international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, many fans had hoped this might be Chiesa’s chance to stake a claim. But as things stand, it appears that chapter is already closing.

Even with emerging talent such as Florian Wirtz, Harvey Elliott and Dominik Szoboszlai capable of stepping into advanced roles, the departure of another senior forward raises questions over squad depth. Should Liverpool also land a marquee forward like Alexander Isak, it may signal a broader reshuffle rather than a straight replacement.

Photo: IMAGO

Transfer That Never Took Off

Chiesa’s signing was seen as shrewd and low-risk. Yet, even in a system built on movement and intelligent pressing, he rarely had the opportunity to settle or contribute consistently. There were flashes, but no rhythm. One goal and minimal involvement simply did not reflect the player who lit up Euro 2020 and impressed so often in Serie A.

The decision now rests with Liverpool. Hold on to a player who may still yet offer something in a long, demanding season? Or accept the realities of his situation and let him return to a league and style where he can thrive?

For a club that has often benefitted from patience and second chances, letting Chiesa go now may feel premature. But equally, it is difficult to begrudge the player his wish for a fresh start elsewhere.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool supporters, the situation around Federico Chiesa is tinged with disappointment. There was genuine excitement when he arrived from Juventus, not only because of his technical quality but also for the energy and directness he brings. Injuries limited his impact, but the sense was always that with a full pre-season and clear run, he could be a useful option.

Now, with Luis Diaz likely to leave, this would seem the perfect opportunity for Chiesa to push on and contribute. Especially with Salah heading to AFCON, the schedule over December and January will be intense. The idea that we might go into that stretch short on senior attackers is concerning.

Still, if his heart is no longer in it, and if Arne Slot has already made a judgement on his suitability, then perhaps it is best to part ways now. Ideally, we would see him return to form in Italy, stay healthy, and remind everyone of the player he was not too long ago. A sale to Napoli or Milan feels logical, but hopefully, the club ensures it extracts fair value before shaking hands.