Liverpool outcast ‘seeks move away from Anfield’… with many top European clubs ‘lining up for his signature’ after a miserable spell on Merseyside
- Liverpool signed Federico Chiesa from Juventus for £10 million during the summer
- The Italian winger has made just four appearances in all competitions this season
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Federico Chiesa is reportedly looking to leave Liverpool in January, just five months after joining from Juventus.
The Italian winger arrived on Merseyside in August for an initial fee of £10 million, which could rise to £12.5 million based on add-ons, as the only major arrival of Arne Slot’s first transfer window.
Chiesa was hailed as a ‘bargain’ when he arrived and another proven talent to add to their forward hopes.
The 27-year-old has played just four games since arriving at Anfield and made just one start for the club in the Carabao Cup third round victory over West Ham.
Injuries have once again hampered Chiesa’s progress with the Reds as he plays second fiddle to goalscoring machine Mohamed Salah.
And with Chiesa having played just 18 minutes of Premier League football this season, he is looking for a loan move, according to Italian newspaper FootMercato.
Federico Chiesa is reportedly looking to join Liverpool on loan in January
Chiesa has made just one start since arriving at Anfield, against West Ham in the Carabao Cup
Chiesa was an unused substitute during Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Leicester on Boxing Day
Several Serie A clubs are said to be in the hunt for the striker, who had never played outside his homeland before his move in the summer.
Napoli are believed to be in pole position for his signature alongside AC Milan, the club where Chiesa made his Liverpool Champions League debut.
Former Italy international Fiorentina is also seen as an option, with La Viola keen to bring the winger home.
Nevertheless, while there are plenty of interested parties, Chiesa does not appear to be looking for a permanent move away from the Premier League leaders.
Chiesa made his competitive debut as a late substitute during Liverpool’s comfortable 3-0 win over Bournemouth in September.
However, a series of setbacks has left Chiesa frustrated with his playing time, with the Italian an unused substitute in the Reds Boxing Day win against Leicester.
When Liverpool head coach Slot was asked about the winger’s position at the club, he emphasized that he is on his way to full fitness.
“You see him on the field now, it means he’s getting stronger and better. He had to adapt for a long time. I’ve said it so many times, as expected when you miss team practices for so long.
Arne Slot has indicated that Chiesa is almost fully fit after a series of problems this season
Chiesa spent four seasons at Juventus before moving to Mersyside, and many Serie A clubs are now interested in signing him
‘And then you go to a competition where the intensity is so high, and to a team that plays with a lot of intensity.
‘He is getting stronger, but also has a lot of competition in the right-wing position.’
Chiesa was frozen out of Juventus by manager Thiago Motta in the summer after spending four seasons in Turin, scoring 32 goals in 131 games.
The 26-year-old – the son of former football star Enrico Chiesa – also scored seven times in 51 appearances for Italy.