When Federico Chiesa stepped off the bench during Liverpool’s 4-2 pre-season victory over Sunderland at GEODIS Park in Nashville back in July, it felt, momentarily at least, like the beginning of a genuine revival.
The Italian forward capped off an eye-catching cameo by slotting home Liverpool’s third goal before playing an instrumental role in the fourth, delivering a clever pass into Dominik Szoboszlai to set up Lewis Koumas. In the post-match mixed zone, Chiesa was candid about his intentions, explicitly rubbishing suggestions that he was looking for an exit route away from Merseyside.
"Right now, at the moment, I am happy here at Liverpool," Chiesa told reporters after the match. "I love the club, I love the fans, I love everything. I am doing the best I can to have a chance here. And then we will see. At the minute, the only thing I am thinking about is Liverpool. I don't know, it is difficult to say if this is a fresh start. It is always a fresh start at the beginning of the year."
Addressing his lack of opportunities under former manager Arne Slot where he managed just two Premier League starts across two seasons, coming against Brighton in May 2025 after the Premier League title was wrapped up and Wolves the following December Chiesa added:
"Last year I felt ready for a bigger role, then it depended on the coach whether he wanted me to play or not. Of course I wanted to play more but it is what it is. The gaffer decided to do so, he had his game plans, he took his decisions, I have nothing to say about that."
A Summer reset turned sour
The arrival of Andoni Iraola in the Anfield dugout was supposed to offer Chiesa the clean slate he desperately craved. Liverpool originally signed the 28-year-old from Juventus in the summer of 2024 for an initial £10 million plus £2.5 million in performance-related add-ons, a deal widely viewed as a low-risk gamble on an elite European talent.
Yet just weeks after his encouraging pre-season display in Nashville, momentum ground to a halt. A lower back injury sidelined Chiesa during key training sessions, preventing him from building the physical engine required to execute Iraola’s relentless, high-pressing tactical setup.
That setback proved costly. Iraola has wasted no time enforcing strict squad standards, leaving both Chiesa and midfielder Wataru Endo out of Liverpool's official Champions League squad list a ruthless indication of their standing in his immediate plans.
The Italian stance and January realities
Reports in Italy from CalcioMercato now indicate that both player and club are preparing for an inevitable parting of ways in the upcoming transfer window.
According to Italian sources, Iraola’s ultimatum has been stark: break into the first-team picture immediately or prepare to find a new club in January. CalcioMercato outlined the situation surrounding the forward's international ambitions:
"Chiesa, who will turn 29 on October 25th, still has a lot to say and give. If he can’t find a spot in the Reds’ shirt, he’ll pack his bags in January. With 18 months left on his contract, he’ll have to do so for everyone’s sake. He can’t afford to sit idly by on the bench; he wants to play, he has to, even to regain his place in the national team."
The report highlights his clear desire to work his way back into national team contention under Roberto Mancini, adding:
"After rejecting [Gennaro] Gattuso, he dreams of a return to the Azzurri with [Roberto] Mancini on the bench, with whom he won the European Championship and who showed his best form."
A January move
Having managed a total return of just five goals and five assists in 50 appearances across all competitions since arriving in England, Liverpool are open to business come January. However, the club hierarchy aims to recoup at least €15 million (£12.5 million) from any potential sale.
Both Napoli and Inter Milan maintain a active interest in bringing the former Juventus star back to Serie A, though his reported net salary of €7 million per season remains a significant hurdle in negotiations:
"Chiesa will be put on the market in January, and Liverpool’s current goal is to collect at least €15 million from his sale. Those interested (in Italy, he’s been eyed by Napoli and Inter) should consider his salary: in England, Enrico’s son earns around €7 million net per season."
Unless Chiesa can pull off a dramatic turnaround over the coming weeks, his determination to make the grade under Iraola will down to the harsh financial and sporting realities of modern squad management.
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