Besiktas eye Liverpool winger as Solskjaer rebuild begins

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·15 juin 2025

Besiktas eye Liverpool winger as Solskjaer rebuild begins

Solskjaer eyes Chiesa as part of Besiktas rebuild

Federico Chiesa has emerged as a potential summer acquisition for Besiktas, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer exploring options to reshape his squad ahead of the 2025–26 campaign. Turkish side Besiktas, who endured a disappointing season finishing 33 points adrift of Super Lig champions Galatasaray, are expected to be active in the transfer market under their new manager.

As reported by Calcio Mercato, Besiktas have so far conducted what is described as an “exploratory survey” to determine whether Liverpool would entertain offers for the Italian international. There is no formal offer on the table at present, but initial contact suggests Solskjaer is serious about bolstering his attacking options.

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Chiesa, 26, is also on the radar of Napoli, who are reportedly more advanced in their interest. The forward, who joined Liverpool last summer, has endured a frustrating debut campaign at Anfield, failing to secure regular first-team opportunities under Arne Slot.

Chiesa sidelined during key Liverpool fixtures

Chiesa’s stint on Merseyside has been underwhelming from a playing time perspective. He did not start a significant fixture in either the Premier League or Champions League until both competitions had been effectively concluded for Liverpool.

His Premier League starting debut came in May against Chelsea, a match that followed Liverpool’s confirmed title win. In Europe, his only start came versus PSV Eindhoven after progression to the knockout stage had already been secured.

Despite his struggles for minutes, Chiesa has remained professional and well-regarded within the Liverpool dressing room.

Photo: IMAGO

Napoli make first contact over Italy return

Napoli are understood to have initiated dialogue with Liverpool, with the possibility of bringing Chiesa back to Serie A gaining traction. The winger previously spent his entire club career in Italy, turning out for Fiorentina and Juventus before making the move to the Premier League.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano shed light on the situation, explaining the player’s current mindset:

“Federico Chiesa wants to leave Liverpool with a bit of a bad heart, because Chiesa is happy at Liverpool on a club level, on a relationship level with his teammates, with the coach.

“In short, he doesn’t have any kind of negative relationship with the Liverpool world but Chiesa wants to play. He believes the time has come to play more.”

Romano also noted the effect of new signings on Chiesa’s standing at Liverpool, stating:

“His injuries have now been completely resolved but in Liverpool he has found little space. Florian Wirtz’s arrival at Liverpool means there is little space for Chiesa to do well and for this reason the player is pushing for a return to Italy.”

Transfer race heats up as clubs assess options

Napoli have already spoken to Chiesa’s representatives and are well-informed of his intentions, although they are not alone in monitoring his situation. Romano added:

“From what we understand, there were some informative calls with Napoli. Napoli called to understand the situation to be informed about the possible conditions of the player’s exit.

“It is still too early to indicate a favourite [target of Napoli’s] but Chiesa is one of the players Napoli has had contact with. The relationship with his agent is very good and in short Napoli is informed of this desire on the part of Federico Chiesa to return to Italy.

“We will understand more about the other Italian possibilities for Chiesa if another club was to arise. We will see what happens with Milan but as for now we only know of interest from Napoli.”

Liverpool appear open to doing business, particularly given the congested competition for attacking roles following the arrival of Wirtz. Should a suitable offer arrive, Chiesa could be on his way out of Anfield after just one season – with Besiktas and Napoli both in the frame to secure his signature.