Federico Chiesa was Liverpool's only signing during the summer transfer window in 2024, Arne Slot's first at the club
Federico Chiesa and Arne Slot celebrate at full-time during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Liverpool.
Federico Chiesa has sent a message to former Liverpool boss Arne Slot after his sacking by the club(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA, Getty Images)
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Federico Chiesa extended his best wishes to Arne Slot for the future after the Dutchman's sacking by Liverpool. Slot was the figure behind Chiesa's move to Liverpool in 2024, making the Italian his sole acquisition during the summer transfer window.
Chiesa was regarded as an opportunistic purchase when Liverpool secured him from Juventus, but the deal has not worked as many would have hoped.
The Italian has been named in the starting line-up for merely two Premier League fixtures during his two campaigns at the club and will almost certainly depart this summer. During his time at Anfield he has scored five times and provided five assists.
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Despite the limited playing time he received under Slot, Chiesa posted a gracious message to his former manager, stating on his Instagram story: "Thank you gaffer for everything, good luck for your future."
Liverpool are nearing an agreement with Andoni Iraola to succeed Slot ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
After the Reds' decision to dismiss Slot, it swiftly emerged that former Bournemouth manager Iraola was Liverpool's favoured choice to assume control at Anfield.
Slot is reported to have been stunned by the decision, which was relayed to him just 90 minutes before Liverpool formally announced the news at approximately 12.30 p.m. on Saturday.
Andoni Iraola applauds the fans after the final whistle during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth.
Andoni Iraola looks set to replace Arne Slot at Liverpool with an agreement reached(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Liverpool dispensed with Slot's services because the club believes a transformation in its playing style is required to recover from a disappointing campaign.
The Reds also believe the Premier League environment has evolved in recent years, demanding a different skillset. Many Liverpool supporters were left disheartened by the side's displays this season and by what they perceived as an overly cautious approach, with the club aiming to bring in a successor who will deploy a more attacking, proactive style.
That successor appears likely to be Iraola, who departed Bournemouth upon the expiry of his contract at the end of the campaign.
Liverpool hopes to have formalised Iraola's appointment before the World Cup kicks off on June 11.
Iraola spent three years at Bournemouth and narrowly fell short of Champions League qualification this season - a remarkable achievement given the club's comparatively modest financial resources and the number of key players sold during his tenure.
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