Image Credits: Imago Images
Federico Chiesa’s challenging spell at Liverpool has intensified speculation over a potential return to Italy, with Juventus reportedly keen to offer the Italian winger an escape route from Anfield this January. The 28-year-old has endured a frustrating campaign under Arne Slot, managing just 21 appearances across all competitions and accumulating a meager 527 minutes of playing time – equating to roughly six full matches.
In the Premier League specifically, Chiesa has featured 15 times, but only once as a starter, with the majority of his involvement coming from the substitutes’ bench. Despite his limited opportunities, the former Juventus man has contributed two goals and three assists this season, including his first Premier League goal against Bournemouth in August.
There has been plenty of noise from Italy regarding Juventus’ intentions, with prior reports this week claiming that the Old Lady is proposing a loan deal with an obligation to buy—but Juventus want the buyout obligation tied to the number of appearances Chiesa makes, rather than an automatic purchase clause.
However, it seems that for Liverpool, that won’t work. James Pearce of the Athletic has revealed that the Anfield club has all but ruled out a loan deal – and want a “significant offer” as well as time to source a suitable replacement:
“Juventus want Federico Chiesa on loan but Liverpool are highly unlikely to sanction a temporary move for the Italian forward this month,” the journalist wrote.
“Chiesa has clocked up 21 appearances for Slot this season, and there’s no appetite to offload him, especially with Isak out at least until March and Ekitike having only recently recovered from a hamstring problem.”
“For Liverpool to even consider doing business, there would need to be a significant permanent offer on the table, and they would need to be able to recruit a suitable replacement.”
Chiesa arrived at Liverpool in August 2024 for a reported fee of £10 million (€12 million) plus £2.5 million in add-ons from Juventus, signing a long-term contract until 2028. The club would want to recoup what they invested for Chiesa at minium.
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