Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa is now reportedly in “discussions” over a move back to Italy with Napoli in the January transfer window.
The 28-year-old has become a cult hero among Reds supporters since joining from Juventus last year, even though he has rarely enjoyed regular playing time.
Chiesa scored a big late winner at home to Bournemouth on the opening weekend of this season, and many fans feel he is worthy of more regular football, especially given Mohamed Salah’s struggles since the start of the campaign.
There have been constant exit rumours of an exit for the Italian, however, and now a fresh claim has emerged regarding his future at Anfield.
According to NapoliMagazine [via Sport Witness], “discussions are underway” regarding Chiesa sealing a move from Liverpool to Napoli in January, with his agents in talks with the Serie A giants over a loan to buy switch.
The deal could be worth up to £11.4m, with the Reds believed to be open to the idea of allowing the forward to move on to pastures new midway through the season.
Should Liverpool consider selling Chiesa in January?
There isn’t much sense in Liverpool sanctioning a move for Chiesa in January, considering Salah and Cody Gakpo aren’t exactly in top form at the moment.
Granted, Arne Slot doesn’t appear to rate him as highly as others, given his use of him, but he is an effective attacking player who Jamie Redknapp lauded earlier in the season:
“I thought he was fabulous today; his energy, desire, it hasn’t gone well for him so far. He’s had a few moments and definitely lately you’ve seen signs that he is going back to that player we all knew he could be. But I think today he was just what they needed, as without him, they would have been in a bit of a hole. The two assists were exceptional.”
There is every chance that Liverpool could opt to sell Chiesa next summer, and while Antoine Semenyo’s potential arrival in the January window would give the Reds extra quality and depth, that doesn’t mean they should end their winger’s time at the club.