It’s official: the Federico Chiesa experiment at Liverpool is nearing its inevitable end.
Signed in 2024 for a modest £10 million fee from Juventus, the Italian winger was a high-risk, high-reward punt. But a year on, with just 466 minutes across 14 appearances, two goals, and no clear role under Arne Slot, the gamble hasn’t paid off.
Now, as reported by Calciomercato and The Times’ Paul Joyce, Liverpool are actively pushing Chiesa out the door. Omitted from the club’s pre-season tour to Asia, the “fitness issue” narrative has quickly unravelled — this is strategic.
Slot doesn’t see a place for him in a system built on structure, pressing, and predictable rotations. Chiesa, electric in bursts but rarely tactical, just doesn’t fit.
Despite interest from Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe, the 26-year-old isn’t tempted by Turkey. His heart is in Serie A, where clubs like Atalanta, Milan, Napoli, and Roma are circling.
Of them, Atalanta seem likeliest — if Inter land Ademola Lookman, Chiesa becomes the contingency. With Champions League football on offer and a tactical setup more suited to his strengths, Bergamo could be a lifeline.
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Federico Chiesa out, stardust fades at Anfield
But here’s the snag: money. Chiesa earns €7 million net per year, a figure even Serie A’s top brass balk at.
A pay cut is essential, and so is a clean bill of health — something he hasn’t consistently had since his ACL tear in 2022. His potential is still undeniable, but at this point, it’s potential wrapped in medical tape.
Liverpool want their money back — at least the original £10 million — but may settle for less as deadline day nears.
For Chiesa, this isn’t just about a transfer. It’s about survival. With the 2026 World Cup looming and Gennaro Gattuso watching closely, regular minutes are non-negotiable.
Liverpool took the swing. It missed. Now, all parties are ready to move on. No bad blood, just a cold, hard footballing truth: some stories don’t stick — even when the name on the back glows with stardust.
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