Federico Chiesa, Liverpool’s recently acquired winger, is reportedly exploring the possibility of leaving Anfield just a few months after his arrival. The 26-year-old Italian international joined Liverpool from Juventus in August, in a deal that was regarded as an economical addition to the squad. Liverpool paid around £10 million for the transfer, along with an additional £2.5 million in performance-related bonuses. Despite being Liverpool’s only major signing in a quiet transfer period, Chiesa’s time at the club has not unfolded as many had hoped.
While Chiesa’s experience in Italian football suggested he would adapt well to the Premier League, persistent injury problems have hampered his progress, limiting him to just three appearances since joining. His latest contribution was in Liverpool’s commanding 5-1 Carabao Cup win over West Ham. These injury issues are not new for Chiesa, as they have been a recurring theme throughout his career. This time around, they seem to have taken a toll on his ability to settle into the demands of English football.
Liverpool’s head coach, Arne Slot, acknowledged Chiesa’s difficult transition, citing the lack of a full pre-season as a key factor. Slot noted that missing pre-season training left Chiesa struggling to match the intense pace of the Premier League, which often surpasses the intensity found in Serie A. Slot commented on this challenge ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League match against RB Leipzig, which Liverpool narrowly won 1-0 in Germany.
Slot explained, “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. This isn’t so much about the difference between the leagues, but rather that missing a pre-season makes it hard for any player to reach the intensity levels the team is currently at, especially with the constant match schedule.”
Expressing empathy for the player’s situation, Slot added, “It’s hard to say, but it’s really disappointing for him to be in and out of training constantly. I feel for him.” Chiesa has remained publicly quiet about his injuries and ongoing adjustment challenges, yet his lack of playing time and training consistency seem to have influenced his future at the club.
According to reports from Calciomercato, relayed by FourFourTwo, Chiesa is now considering a return to Italy, possibly as soon as the January transfer window. Several Italian clubs, including Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Roma, are reportedly interested in bringing him back to Serie A on a loan basis. These clubs are said to be willing to take a calculated risk, given his track record and potential to regain his form in a familiar setting.
While Chiesa’s intentions remain undisclosed, a mid-season loan move could offer him a chance to revive his season and work his way back into form without the added pressure of the Premier League’s rigorous schedule. Whether he will stay at Liverpool to continue adjusting or seek a temporary return to Italy remains to be seen.
