Napoli, Liverpool discuss Chiesa-Beukema swap for Champions League | OneFootball

The January transfer window is approaching and, according to Corriere del Mezzogiorno, an intriguing possibility is gaining traction: Federico Chiesa to Napoli and Sam Beukema to Liverpool.

Napoli and Liverpool, contacts for a possible swap between Chiesa and Beukema

A transfer rumor that intertwines two different but complementary needs: Conte is looking for a high-caliber attacking winger, while Arne Slot aims to strengthen the defense with a player he knows very well.

“The transfer market is already underway,” writes Donato Martucci, highlighting how the clubs are considering a deal that could develop precisely along the Napoli-Liverpool axis.

Chiesa, Conte’s long-time favorite ready to return to Italy

Federico Chiesa, 28, has long been one of Antonio Conte’s favorite players. The Italian forward, currently at Liverpool, has regained playing time and confidence, collecting two goals and three assists in this first part of the season. However, he has never hidden his desire to return to Serie A, where he could relaunch himself ahead of Gattuso’s upcoming national team commitments.

Liverpool bought him last summer for around 12 million euros, but today his market value is around 18 million: a figure in line with the budget Aurelio De Laurentiis has set aside for the winter transfer window.

Conte, for his part, appreciates Chiesa’s versatility and mentality, a player capable of adapting to his high-intensity tactics.

Beukema in Slot’s sights: an old acquaintance from AZ Alkmaar

On the other side is Sam Beukema, a 26-year-old Dutch defender, currently on the fringes of Conte’s technical project. The center-back, who arrived from Bologna for 31 million euros and is under contract with Napoli until 2030, has not found playing time since last October, when he played his last match against Torino.

The numbers tell of a difficult season: only 5 appearances in Serie A (four as a starter) and 3 appearances in the Champions League, for a total of 598 minutes played.

What attracts Liverpool’s interest is Arne Slot, who already coached Beukema during their time at AZ Alkmaar and knows his technical and temperamental qualities well. The British media insist: the Reds are ready to make an official offer.

A possible but complex swap

From an economic standpoint, the deal appears balanced in terms of market value, but complex due to the contractual situations of the players. Beukema has a long-term agreement with Napoli and it is unlikely that De Laurentiis will accept a loan or a sale at a price lower than the initial investment.

Chiesa, on the other hand, is in a period of reflection: the Premier League has not given him the continuity he hoped for, and a return to Serie A under Conte’s guidance could represent a footballing rebirth.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.