Liverpool’s summer overhaul is already underway, and one familiar face looks set to depart. Federico Chiesa’s brief stay at Anfield appears to be nearing its end, with reports from Italy indicating the winger will move on when the season wraps up, just 18 months after arriving.
Signed from Juventus in August 2024 for around £10 million, Chiesa’s arrival was met with excitement. Supporters recalled the electric attacker who dazzled at Euro 2020 and inspired Italy’s triumph. At that fee, it felt like a smart, low-risk move with huge potential. But reality unfolded differently.
His early months were disrupted by lingering fitness problems and the lack of a full pre-season, leaving him struggling to catch up as the rest of the squad found momentum. By the time he regained full sharpness, Arne Slot had already established a clear attacking order.
Slot’s approach is demanding and highly structured, built on intense pressing, strict positional play, and collective movement. These requirements didn’t naturally suit Chiesa’s instinctive, free-flowing style. As a result, he made only two Premier League starts, with most of his appearances coming off the bench or in rotated sides.
Behind the scenes, Liverpool’s recruitment strategy is clinical and numbers-led. Data on pressing, fitness levels, and attacking impact reportedly suggested limited scope for Chiesa to become a regular starter. With younger wide options emerging and new targets on the radar, squad space has become too valuable to hold onto sentiment.
This isn’t a question of ability. Chiesa remains highly regarded across Europe, known for his pace, directness, and goal threat. The problem was timing. He returned to form in a team already built around a clear identity and pushing for honours.
Attention now turns to his next destination. Serie A clubs are monitoring his situation, while interest has also surfaced from Spain. For Liverpool, a permanent transfer would ease the wage bill and free up space for players better suited to Slot’s system. For Chiesa, it offers a fresh start and a chance to rediscover his best form.
Nothing has been confirmed yet, but the signs point in one direction. As Liverpool’s rebuild gathers pace, Federico Chiesa’s Anfield story — which began with promise and excitement — seems set to draw to a quiet close this summer
