The TRUTH behind Liverpool star's insane transfer ultimatum | OneFootball

Every player wants to be on the pitch as often as they can, and that puts a strain on a head coach.

Whether he'd like to admit it or not, Arne Slot has favourites within the Liverpool squad, and he'll tend to play them as frequently as possible, without risking an unnecessary injury. For those left on the periphery, it can be quite difficult to handle - being available when required, while also feeling left out.

'Sympathising' with the Reds' first-team outsiders isn't necessarily the right word. After all, they're being paid thousands of pounds a week to essentially just turn up for a few training sessions a week.

But when your mentality is focused on being reaching the top, not only in helping the team by doing what you're asked, but also by feeling fulfilled on a personal basis, you can't help but get frustrated.

In response to the stance Slot has taken, one Liverpool player has given the club an ultimatum over his future, and it currently feels as though he could be forced out of Merseyside in the near future.

Chiesa is RIGHT to feel wronged

Federico Chiesa's misfortunes last season were well-documented, with injury and fitness issues, followed by his general failure to make a difference when he was played, creating a lot of problems.

However, the 28-year-old was signed in 2024 on a four-year-deal, meaning there was an incentive for Liverpool to persist with him. And so far this season, he's been a revelation on the pitch for us.

In 390 minutes played, he's got two goals and three assists, despite having failed to deliver a goal contribution in the 219 minutes he's played over his last seven appearances. Even though his form has dropped off, he's still averaging just 78 minutes per goal or assist. That's a remarkable effort.

The problem, however, is that across the 14 appearances he's made this season, he's only started two games - both of which were in the Carabao Cup against Southampton and Crystal Palace.

Given that Mohamed Salah operates in his ideal position at right-wing, this shouldn't necessarily be that surprising, but the Reds only have four other senior forwards, given Rio Ngumoha is 17 years old.

And the Egyptian didn't spend a minute on the pitch when the Reds played West Ham last weekend.

When presented with this golden opportunity to give Chiesa a rare start, Slot instead opted to not have a right-winger on the pitch at all. It's hard to think of a more damning indictment for his future.

It's been said that when Salah departs for AFCON in a few weeks on December 16, that Chiesa will have an enormous opportunity to reignite his Liverpool career, playing a significant role in the team.

But what evidence is there to suggest that Chiesa will be granted such an opportunity? The blueprint for the team succeeding without Salah was created against West Ham and the Italian was overlooked.

Naturally, you'd expect Chiesa might get some chances, because the pool of players for Slot to choose from will be smaller, but that's not guarantee that he'll be properly backed. A huge change of heart would be needed, and four months into the season, it's unlikely that we'll see that happen.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed last month that Chiesa is desperate for minutes, and Italian clubs will be rallying in January if the winger's situation hasn't got any better. At the time, Liverpool and the player's desire was to continue to work together, but nothing has changed thus far. With the World Cup just around the corner when the season ends, it's imperative that he becomes more involved.

Getting a deal agreed in January won't be easy, but it doesn't appear as though Slot needs him around, so nothing is ruled out. We've seen players force moves before - nod to Alexander Isak - and it would hardly be unfair of Chiesa to want out of his current situation. Fans are desperate for him to play more regularly. If the only way that can happen is for him to leave, then so be it.