According to the latest report from Italian outlet Calciomercato, former Juventus forward Federico Chiesa appears to be nearing the end of his short-lived stint at Liverpool.
Despite joining the Reds just last summer for a fee of €12 million, the Italian international could be shown the exit door after a disappointing debut season at Anfield, with the club actively exploring options to offload him in the upcoming transfer window.
From Great Expectations to the Periphery
When Chiesa arrived at Liverpool, expectations were high. He was the only signing during Arne Slot’s first summer in charge and was seen as the spark to reignite the Reds’ wing play with his explosiveness, creativity, and direct approach.
Chiesa had built a strong reputation in Serie A with Juventus, known for his lightning-quick runs down the flank, sharp dribbling, and a knack for cutting inside to score.
His standout performances in Italy’s triumphant UEFA Euro 2020 campaign had further cemented his status as one of Europe’s most dynamic wingers.
However, his time in the Premier League has failed to live up to the hype. Chiesa has made just four substitute appearances in the league, totaling a mere 44 minutes of playing time.
He has not started a single match and has been relegated to a fringe figure in Slot’s plans.
Tactical Misfit and Fierce Competition
Chiesa’s struggles are largely rooted in a tactical mismatch. The Italian thrives in systems that allow him space to isolate defenders one-on-one, often relying on his instinct and flair.
However, Liverpool’s high-pressing, team-oriented approach demands intense defensive work rate and cohesion in transitions—areas where Chiesa has consistently fallen short.
His limited defensive contribution and lack of tactical discipline have made it difficult for him to earn trust under Slot.
Moreover, with Liverpool’s attacking line stacked with in-form stars like Mohamed Salah, Luis Díaz, Diogo Jota, Darwin Núñez, and Cody Gakpo, Chiesa has found opportunities hard to come by.
From once being hailed as a Serie A sensation to becoming an afterthought in Liverpool’s system, Chiesa’s fall from grace has been rapid and jarring.
Serie A Giants Circle: Chiesa Still a Hot Commodity in Italy
Despite his failure to adapt to English football, Chiesa remains a highly regarded figure back in Italy.
According to Calciomercato, several Serie A powerhouses are closely monitoring his situation and would jump at the chance to bring him back.
Inter Milan, Napoli, AC Milan, Roma, and Lazio are all reportedly interested in acquiring the 27-year-old, and a bidding war could ensue should Liverpool officially place him on the transfer list.
Given his familiarity with Serie A’s tempo and tactical landscape, Chiesa would likely be able to reintegrate quickly and regain the confidence that once made him a national-team mainstay.
A Return Home: Redemption or More of the Same?
For Chiesa, a return to Italy may be more than just a change of scenery—it could be the chance to relaunch his career.
Back in an environment where his skill set is better appreciated, he may once again flourish and rediscover the joy of playing regularly.
Still, his next move won’t be without its challenges. After a lackluster stint at Liverpool, the expectations placed on him by fans and the media will be more cautious.
To truly reignite his career, Chiesa must adapt to modern tactical demands, improve his off-ball work, and show that he can be a consistent and disciplined contributor—not just a highlight-reel player.
If he continues to lean solely on his past reputation without evolving, he could risk falling into the category of “unfulfilled potential.”
Crossroads: Fall or Rebirth?
Chiesa’s Premier League chapter may have been underwhelming, but he remains in the prime years of his career.
At 27, he still has the tools and time to bounce back—provided he learns from his missteps and chooses his next destination wisely.
His Liverpool spell could well prove to be a wake-up call—an important turning point in his journey as a professional footballer.
Now comes the defining question: will Chiesa fade into obscurity, clinging to former glories? Or will he embrace the next challenge with renewed purpose, rewriting his narrative as a comeback story?
The answer, as ever in football, lies in the next move—and the mindset with which he makes it.
