Image Credits: Imago Images
Federico Chiesa’s Anfield career is edging towards an abrupt conclusion, with Juventus intensifying efforts to rescue the struggling winger from his Liverpool exile just 16 months after selling him for £12.5 million. The Serie A giants have reportedly maintained constant contact with Liverpool throughout January and are now determined to bring the 28-year-old back to Turin, either on loan with an obligation to buy or via a permanent deal.
Chiesa’s move to Merseyside in September 2024 was heralded as one of the transfer window’s shrewdest pieces of business, but the reality has been a harrowing tale of injuries, fitness struggles, and managerial indifference. The Italy international has managed just 228 minutes across 15 Premier League appearances this season—an average of 15 minutes per match—with only one start to his name. His overall contribution stands at a meager two goals and one assist in 21 appearances across all competitions, placing him firmly on the periphery of Arne Slot’s plans.
According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, the 28-year-old has informed Juventus that he is willing to reduce his current €6 million-per-year salary to help the two clubs reach an agreement. The gesture represents what the Italian press has described as “an important and not obvious step,” with Chiesa essentially telling Juventus that his contract won’t be an issue if the two clubs can find an agreement.
However, it seems that Liverpool continue to play hardball, at least according to a new report from Juve-centric outlet Il Biancanero. According to reporter Romeo Agresti, the Anfield club want close to €20 million for the Italy international:
The Reds do not want to deprive themselves of Chiesa easily, even if the winger is not a featured player: Slot has made it clear that the former Juventus man is behind in the hierarchy, and precisely for this reason the return of Salah can make the difference, but we will get there. In the meantime, as told by Romeo Agresti on his YouTube channel, Liverpool has made important requests for Chiesa’s card, with a figure close to 20 million.
With a request of this type, the distance between the clubs remains: Juve, as anticipated, wants to focus on a loan operation, and would hardly be willing to spend 20 million to bring Chiesa back to Turin.
It would be difficult to see Juventus pay that kind of money for a return of Chiesa.
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