Chiesa’s Liverpool Struggles Ignite Transfer Speculation

Federico Chiesa’s career at Liverpool has taken another challenging turn, as the winger was once again limited to a brief appearance during a 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest over the weekend. Chiesa played just 22 minutes, continuing a frustrating pattern throughout his campaign under manager Slot. This match marked his ninth appearance in the Premier League this season, yet none have been as a starter; his only full 90-minute performances occurred in the Carabao Cup.

Despite Liverpool’s inconsistency and struggles in wide positions, Slot has shown little inclination to include Chiesa in his preferred rotation. The manager consistently favors Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo, even deploying Hugo Ekitike in the wings, leaving the 28-year-old unable to establish rhythm or match fitness.

Chiesa’s limited involvement has drawn significant scrutiny in Italy, where analysts and supporters argue that he deserves greater responsibility on the pitch.

Recent reports from TuttoJuve indicate that several Serie A clubs have approached both Chiesa’s representatives and Liverpool in anticipation of the January transfer window. Inter Milan and AC Milan are reportedly the frontrunners, both viewing Chiesa as a player who could enhance their attacking options immediately. AS Roma has also expressed interest, adding to the list of potential destinations for the winger as he seeks a situation that guarantees playing time and a defined role.

Chiesa joined Liverpool in the summer of 2024, a move that was widely regarded as a “smart gamble” given his talent and potential. However, his transition to the Premier League has been marred by recurring fitness issues, undermining his ability to meet the physical demands of the league. Without consistent playing time, his confidence and sharpness have diminished, raising questions about whether a return to Italy is necessary for him to revitalize his career.

Slot’s tactical approach may also be exacerbating the issue. The Dutch manager’s system relies heavily on high-intensity pressing and constant off-the-ball movement, aspects that Chiesa has struggled to maintain due to persistent muscular injuries. While his per-minute productivity remains commendable, the lack of frequent engagement has hindered his ability to challenge Liverpool’s established attackers meaningfully. As the season progresses, it increasingly appears that Chiesa is not integral to Slot’s long-term strategy.

This situation is causing concern within the Italian national team setup, where regular playing time is deemed essential ahead of the 2026 World Cup playoffs. A January transfer, particularly back to Serie A, is viewed as a viable path for Chiesa to reclaim a prominent role and restore his standing with the Azzurri.

Chiesa’s difficulties at Liverpool underscore deeper issues that predate his arrival in the Premier League. Following a significant ACL injury in 2022, the winger has struggled to regain the explosive consistency that once made him one of Europe’s most formidable wide players. His tenure at Juventus was also marked by inconsistent performances, and the move to England was intended to provide a fresh start, which has unfortunately not materialized as anticipated.

Injuries remain central to Chiesa’s narrative. Since joining Liverpool, he has missed substantial periods, including over two months across 14 matches in the 2024/25 season due to muscular problems. Even when fit, he has yet to start a league match this campaign, with just eight Premier League appearances from the bench, totaling slightly over 100 minutes of play. Although he has scored twice, he has not done so consistently enough to secure a place in Slot’s preferred starting eleven.

This lack of stability has fueled growing speculation regarding a mid-season exit. Inter Milan reportedly views him as an ideal option for depth, capable of adding unpredictability to Simone Inzaghi’s attack, while AC Milan considers him a player who could complement talents like Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic. Roma is also monitoring the situation, highlighting that Chiesa’s value in Italy remains significant despite his struggles abroad.

Liverpool’s stance ahead of January will likely depend on whether Slot envisions any future for Chiesa beyond cameo appearances. If his limited involvement persists, the club may be amenable to approving a loan with an option or obligation to buy, especially given the interest from multiple Serie A teams. With Chiesa eager for playing time and Italy’s coaching staff advocating for a move that guarantees minutes, all indications suggest that an exit is gaining momentum.