Liverpool could see Federico Chiesa depart in the January transfer window, with the Italian reportedly prepared to accept a pay cut to force through an exit. The winger arrived at Anfield in 2024 for a modest £12.5million fee, a sum viewed as potentially excellent value for a player who had demonstrated his capabilities on the world stage.
His debut season was marred by fitness problems, but even with improved availability this term, it's evident that manager Arne Slot has favoured alternative attacking options. Chiesa has only played 528 minutes of football across all competitions this season, with just a solitary Premier League start coming in a 2-1 triumph over struggling Wolves.
According to Gazetta dello Sport, Chiesa is keen on returning to Juventus and is prepared to accept lower earnings to secure the switch.
The Italian publication suggests the winger's motivation isn't financial, but rather a sentimental desire to rekindle his connection with the Bianconeri.
Chiesa's limited playing time may well reflect his standing in Slot's plans, although the Dutch manager discussed the player's availability and recent boost in minutes ahead of the Barnsley fixture.
He said: "I spoke to him [Chiesa] two days ago, and he said he played more in the recent weeks than he ever did before under me, but he is one of the players that could feature in that game [Barnsley], definitely."
Whilst speculation persists, Juventus boss Luciano Spalletti has downplayed the transfer rumours, stating: "I am pleased you are giving me this news, seeing as we haven't even had a meeting yet on the transfer market.
"But it's the first I've heard of it. For the moment, it's just thrown out there, but absolutely nothing concrete behind it."
Should Chiesa depart, Slot may place greater reliance on Rio Ngumoha, with the teenager already making his mark in the first team this season.
The 17-year-old has already clocked up 298 minutes for Liverpool this campaign, including a memorable match-winning goal against Newcastle earlier in the season.
Whilst he predominantly operates on the opposite flank to Chiesa, a switch to the right wing as Mohamed Salah's understudy would provide valuable experience for the youngster.
Apart from Ngumoha, options on the right may be limited, with Conor Bradley's injury likely forcing Jeremie Frimpong into a right-back role for the coming weeks.