Chiesa’s Liverpool Struggles Prompt Potential Transfer Interest

omidbasir- Federico Chiesa’s tenure at Liverpool has taken another challenging turn, as the winger once again found himself restricted to a brief appearance in a 3-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest this past weekend. The Italian player saw only 22 minutes of action, further emphasizing the frustrating pattern that has characterized his season under manager Slot. This match marked his ninth appearance in the Premier League this season, yet he has not started a single game; his only full 90-minute outings have been in the Carabao Cup.

Despite Liverpool’s ongoing struggles and evident inconsistency in their wide positions, Slot has offered little indication that Chiesa is a part of his preferred rotation. The manager has consistently favored Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo, and even Hugo Ekitike has been given opportunities on the wings, leaving the 28-year-old with minimal chances to develop rhythm or match fitness.

This limited involvement has drawn significant scrutiny in Italy, where analysts and fans alike believe Chiesa deserves a greater role within the team. Reports from TuttoJuve indicate that several Serie A clubs have approached both his representatives and Liverpool in anticipation of the January transfer window. Inter Milan and AC Milan are viewed as the leading contenders, both clubs seeing Chiesa as a player who could substantially enhance their attacking options. AS Roma has also expressed interest, broadening the list of potential destinations as Chiesa seeks playing time and a clear role.

Chiesa made his move to Liverpool in the summer of 2024, hailed as a “smart gamble” given his pedigree and potential. However, his transfer to England has been overshadowed by ongoing fitness issues, hampering his ability to meet the physical demands of the Premier League. The lack of regular playing time has led to a decline in his confidence and sharpness, igniting discussions about whether a return to Italy is his best chance to revitalize his career.

The tactical framework employed by Slot has further exacerbated Chiesa’s situation. The Dutchman’s system relies heavily on high-intensity pressing and relentless off-the-ball movement, elements that Chiesa has struggled to sustain due to repeated muscular injuries. While his productivity on a per-minute basis remains commendable, the lack of consistent involvement has hindered his ability to effectively challenge Liverpool’s established forwards. As the season unfolds, it has become increasingly evident that Chiesa is not central to Slot’s long-term strategies.

This predicament also raises concerns within the Italian national team setup, where regular playing time is crucial ahead of the 2026 World Cup playoffs. A transfer in January, particularly back to Serie A, is perceived as the most advantageous scenario for Chiesa to regain prominence and rebuild his standing with the Azzurri.

Chiesa’s difficulties at Liverpool underscore deeper issues that have persisted since prior to his Premier League move. Following a significant ACL injury in 2022, the winger has struggled to maintain the explosive consistency that once established him as one of Europe’s most potent wide players. His tenure at Juventus was similarly disrupted by inconsistent performances, and his move to England was anticipated as a fresh start that has yet to materialize.

Injuries have remained a central theme in his narrative. Since joining Liverpool, Chiesa has missed considerable time, including over two months spanning 14 games in the 2024/25 season due to muscle issues. Even when fit, he has yet to start a league match this season, making just eight appearances off the bench and totaling slightly over 100 minutes of play. Despite netting two goals, he has not scored frequently enough to secure a spot in Slot’s favored lineup.

This instability has intensified speculation regarding a mid-season transfer. Inter Milan reportedly views him as an ideal depth option who can inject unpredictability into Simone Inzaghi’s attack, while AC Milan considers him a player well-suited to complement Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic. Roma’s monitoring of the situation underscores that Chiesa’s value in Italy remains high, despite his challenges in England.

Liverpool’s approach ahead of January will likely depend on whether Slot envisions a future role for Chiesa beyond substitutive appearances. If his limited involvement persists, the club may consider allowing a loan with options to buy, particularly with multiple Serie A teams poised to negotiate. With Chiesa eager for playing time and Italy’s coaching staff advocating for a move that guarantees regular minutes, all indications suggest that an exit is gaining momentum.