Arne Slot answered Liverpool supporters’ calls on Saturday as he handed Federico Chiesa a rare Premier League start.
After arriving as a low-key new signing in the summer of 2024, Chiesa had started only one league match for the Reds until last weekend.
While his second appearance in a Premier League starting XI was not anything to write home about, Chiesa put in a solid performance against Wolves, underlining his usefulness as a squad option.
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Florian Wirtz applauds after Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against Eintracht Frankfurt at the Deutsche Bank Park (Credit: Getty Images/Christian Kaspar-Bartke Cody Gakpo pictured in action during Liverpool's Premier League match against Leeds United at Elland Road (Credit: Getty Images/Molly Darlington).
Phot credit: Getty Images/Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Molly Darlington
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Nevertheless, his lack of game time with Liverpool has led to constant speculation that the Italian could look for a move away.
With the January transfer window now officially open, journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed what Chiesa‘s own expectations are over leaving Anfield.
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Given Liverpool’s lack of attacking options heading into January, there may be further opportunities for Chiesa in the starting XI.
Having lost out on Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City, it looks unlikely that Liverpool will sign a forward in the winter window,
Federico Chiesa sits on the Anfield turf during Liverpool's UEFA Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven
Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images
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As a result of Mohamed Salah being away for a little while longer and Alexander Isak likely missing until at least March, the lack of new addition means Liverpool are not exactly flush in the attacking department.
And according to Romano, that has led to an expectation from Chiesa himself that he will be staying with the Reds for the full campaign.
“Salah is obviously already out for the Africa Cup of Nations. Chiesa started the last match, so at the moment it’s not yet a certainty,” the transfer expert said on his Italian language YouTube channel in relation to potential interest from former club Juventus.
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Liverpool's lineup vs Leeds
Liverpool’s lineup vs Leeds
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“In fact, those close to Chiesa expect that Liverpool won’t want to release him in January.”
Chiesa looking set for summer Liverpool exit
It remains to be seen how Slot assessed Chiesa’s performance against Wolves and whether it leads to more chances in the Liverpool starting XI for the 28-year-old.
But even if he does pick up significantly more minutes over the next month, it feels as though the writing is on the wall for Chiesa at Liverpool.
Slot has never fully trusted him, and it is probably the best for his career if he looks to move on at the end of the season.
Still, even in his reduced role, Chiesa can offer something to Liverpool until May. There is still a chance of silverware for the Reds, and if he can play a part in that, he can leave with his head held high next summer.
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