Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa is reportedly considering an unexpected exit from Anfield just months after making his move to the Premier League. The 26-year-old Italian joined Liverpool from Juventus in August, in what was viewed as a cautious yet strategic signing by the Merseyside club. Liverpool invested £10 million, along with £2.5 million in add-ons, to secure Chiesa’s talent, making him their only major acquisition in an otherwise understated transfer window.
When Liverpool completed the deal, it was seen as a relatively low-risk move, given Chiesa’s substantial experience in Serie A and the modest transfer fee. His familiarity with high-stakes football in Italy suggested he could seamlessly adapt to Liverpool’s dynamic squad and intense playing style. However, things haven’t gone as planned. Since arriving at Anfield, Chiesa has struggled to make an impact, mainly due to recurring injury setbacks—a problem that has haunted his career previously and now seems to have followed him to England.
These ongoing injury issues have restricted Chiesa to just three appearances for Liverpool, with his last outing being the emphatic 5-1 Carabao Cup victory over West Ham. His fitness woes have prevented him from contributing consistently, leaving both fans and the club wondering whether his move to Liverpool will pay off.
Before Liverpool’s recent Champions League clash with RB Leipzig, head coach Arne Slot shed light on Chiesa’s struggles, emphasizing that the player missed out on a full pre-season. Slot highlighted that adjusting to the Premier League’s relentless intensity, especially without pre-season preparation, is no small task. “He missed a full pre-season, which I’ve mentioned before, and is now in a league where the intensity might be even higher than Italy’s,” Slot remarked, underscoring that while Serie A is competitive, English football’s pace demands a different level of stamina and conditioning.
Slot also expressed empathy, acknowledging that Chiesa’s constant struggles with fitness have been a disappointment. “It’s hard to say, but it’s really disappointing for him to be in and out of training constantly. I feel for him,” Slot admitted, highlighting the mental toll that such uncertainty can place on a player.
As Liverpool’s season progresses, rumors are now surfacing that Chiesa may not stay long at Anfield. Reports from Italian outlet Calciomercato, relayed through FourFourTwo, suggest that Liverpool might be open to a loan move in January, with Serie A clubs like Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Roma expressing interest. These teams are reportedly considering taking a “calculated” risk on Chiesa, hoping that a return to Italy could reignite his career.
Chiesa himself has remained silent regarding his limited playing time and injury struggles, leaving fans to speculate on his mindset. It’s uncertain whether he would seriously consider a return to Italy so soon after embarking on his Premier League journey. However, if the current situation doesn’t improve, a loan move might be the best path for both Liverpool and Chiesa, allowing him to regain his form and confidence away from the intensity of the English game.