Chiesa’s Struggles at Liverpool Spark Transfer Speculation Ahead of January Window

Federico Chiesa’s tenure at Liverpool has taken another challenging turn, as the winger was once again restricted to a brief appearance during a 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest over the weekend. He played only 22 minutes, maintaining a frustrating pattern throughout his campaign under manager Slot. This match marked his ninth appearance in the Premier League this season, yet he has yet to start a single game; his only full 90-minute performances have come in the Carabao Cup.

Despite Liverpool’s struggles and evident inconsistency on the wings, Slot has not indicated that Chiesa fits into his preferred rotation. The manager has consistently favored Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo over him, with even Hugo Ekitike receiving playing time on the flanks. This has hindered the 28-year-old’s ability to establish rhythm or match fitness.

Chiesa’s limited involvement has drawn significant scrutiny in Italy, where analysts and fans alike argue that he should be allocated more responsibility. Reports from TuttoJuve indicate that several Serie A clubs have approached his representatives and Liverpool ahead of the January transfer window. Inter Milan and AC Milan are among the leading candidates, both viewing Chiesa as a player who could immediately enhance their attacking options. Roma has also expressed interest, further broadening the list of potential destinations as Chiesa seeks an opportunity to play more regularly.

Chiesa joined Liverpool in the summer of 2024, which was widely regarded as a prudent investment due to his talent and potential. However, his move to England has been marred by persistent fitness problems, which have limited his contributions on the pitch. The lack of consistent playing time has eroded his confidence and sharpness, leading to discussions about whether a return to Italy might be the best route to rejuvenate his career.

Compounding these issues is Slot’s tactical approach, which emphasizes high-intensity pressing and continuous off-the-ball movement—an aspect Chiesa has struggled with due to recurring muscular injuries. While his productivity per minute remains commendable, his sporadic involvement has prevented him from effectively challenging Liverpool’s established attackers. As the season progresses, it is becoming increasingly evident that Chiesa is not a component of Slot’s long-term strategy.

This situation has raised concerns within the Italian national team, where regular playing time is deemed critical ahead of the 2026 World Cup playoffs. A January transfer, particularly back to Serie A, is perceived as the most favorable scenario for Chiesa to secure a prominent role and restore his status with the Azzurri.

Chiesa’s difficulties at Liverpool reflect deeper issues that predate his Premier League move. Since suffering a severe ACL injury in 2022, he has struggled to regain the explosive consistency that once made him one of Europe’s most formidable wide forwards. His time at Juventus was similarly disrupted by inconsistent form, and his move to England was intended to provide a fresh start, which has not materialized as anticipated.

Injuries remain a central theme in his narrative. Chiesa has already missed significant stretches of time since joining Liverpool, including over two months and 14 games during the 2024/25 season due to muscle injuries. Even when available, he has yet to start a league match this season, appearing only eight times from the bench and accumulating just over 100 minutes of play. Despite scoring twice, his lack of regularity has hindered his chances of breaking into Slot’s preferred starting XI.

This instability has fueled increasing speculation about a potential mid-season exit. Inter Milan reportedly views him as an ideal depth option who could add unpredictability to Simone Inzaghi’s forward line, while AC Milan sees him as a player who could effectively complement Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic. Roma is also keeping an eye on the situation, highlighting that Chiesa’s reputation in Italy remains intact despite his challenges in England.

Liverpool’s position ahead of January will likely depend on whether Slot envisions a future role for Chiesa beyond limited appearances. If this trend continues, the club may be amenable to a loan deal with an option or obligation to buy, especially with several Serie A clubs ready to negotiate. With Chiesa eager for playing time and the Italian coaching staff advocating for a move that ensures regular involvement, all indications suggest that momentum is building toward a transfer.