Liverpool could lose Federico Chiesa in a “last minute, last day” deal in the January transfer window, depending on what happens with Mohamed Salah.
The Italian’s future has felt up in the air for much of his time at Anfield, with Arne Slot continually struggling to find space for him in his starting lineup.
That’s not to say that Chiesa hasn’t become a popular player among the fans, however, also delivering some big moments, including the late goal at home to Bournemouth back in August.
Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness has now told Football Insider that the 28-year-old could make a late exit from Liverpool this month, assuming Salah stays put:
“If he [Salah] comes back after AFCON and he’s healthy, then I think Chiesa could move. So that will all happen before the end of the window. So I think it will depend a lot on the Mo Salah situation. Chiesa has been a big Liverpool fan favourite and I know that.
“Listen, I’ve been quite impressed with him. I’m still surprised he hasn’t been able to find his place in the squad, as for whatever reason Slot doesn’t seem to go for him.
“I think Chiesa could move, but it will depend on the situation of other players, but it would be one of the last minute, last day, deals, but it could happen.”
A summer exit for Chiesa the best outcome for Liverpool
Selling Chiesa midway through the season, during a period in which Liverpool aren’t exactly littered with wide attacking options, would make no sense at all.
Slot needs as many options as possible between now and the end of the season, so the Italy ace should only be allowed to leave in the summer.
That feels like the natural time for Chiesa’s Liverpool adventure to come to an end, having only scored four goals in 36 appearances, allowing the Premier League champions to receive money for him instead of losing him on a free transfer in the summer of 2027.
He has the knack of popping up in some big moments, and the hope is that he delivers a few more before the campaign ends, leaving as a much-loved figure who always gave his all.