Federico Chiesa close to leaving Liverpool as top Italian clubs show interest

Federico Chiesa’s brief spell at Liverpool could be coming to an end, with fresh interest from Serie A fueling speculation of a return to Italy.

Despite arriving from Juventus last summer in a £12.5 million deal, the winger has struggled to make a lasting impression at Anfield under Arne Slot.

Now, with the World Cup on the horizon and playing time limited, Chiesa is seeking a move that would guarantee more minutes on the pitch.

Atalanta are keen on Chiesa as a potential replacement for Ademola Lookman, who has requested a move to Inter Milan. But they aren’t alone.

Federico Chiesa of Liverpool warms up with his teammates prior to the pre-season friendly match between Preston North End and Liverpool at Deepdale

Napoli, managed by Antonio Conte, have also joined the chase. Their €40 million bid for Dan Ndoye recently fell through after Nottingham Forest completed a £34 million swoop, leading the Partenopei to pivot toward Chiesa. A bidding war could now be on the horizon.

Although Chiesa’s impact at Liverpool has been limited, particularly due to injuries and tactical mismatch, his value has quietly grown.

The Italian international became a more regular name in the matchday squad during the second half of last season, offering glimpses of his potential.

With his contract running until 2028, Liverpool are under no pressure to sell. However, the opportunity to more than double their investment is hard to ignore.

The club is expected to demand upwards of £30 million, a price both Napoli and Atalanta may be willing to meet.

Chiesa’s playing style best suited to traditional wing play and slower transitions doesn’t align with Arne Slot’s high-pressing, fast-paced system.

As the Dutchman reshapes the squad, fringe players like Chiesa are increasingly likely to be moved on in favor of system-compatible additions.

Federico Chiesa of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A TIM match between Juventus and AC Monza at on May 25, 2024

Reports suggest Slot is decisively streamlining the squad, bringing in players tailored to his vision and allowing others to depart. In this context, offloading Chiesa for a profit would represent smart business.

Chiesa’s Liverpool stint may not be memorable on the pitch, but off it, his transfer could still benefit the Reds in a major way.

Turning a low-risk, £12.5 million signing into a £30 million+ sale would be a clear win for the recruitment team.

This scenario also highlights Liverpool’s growth in transfer strategy. In the past, the club often struggled to offload underperforming players.

Today, they operate with greater leverage and foresight willing to part ways with fringe assets at a profit and reinvest in players who better fit their tactical needs.

Chiesa may soon return to Serie A, but he could leave behind a valuable contribution to Liverpool’s ongoing rebuild under Arne Slot.