Fabrizio Romano has given an interesting update on Federico Chiesa's future at Liverpool amid talk of a potential return to Italy.
Chiesa found game time hard to come by under Arne Slot throughout the Dutch manager's reign. He started just one of 26 league games last season, and his lack of first-team opportunities led to speculation over a possible summer exit.
The 28-year-old has been linked with a return to Juventus, while Inter Milan and Napoli are thought to be monitoring his situation. He has two years left on his contract at Anfield, but might be persuaded to try to win over the new head coach, Andoni Iraola, during pre-season.
Iraola replaced Slot earlier this month and will want to assess his squad ahead of the 2026/27 campaign. That might mean the likes of Chiesa are given a fresh chance to prove themselves.
Liverpool Make Federico Chiesa Decision
Liverpool's Federico Chiesa during the warm up before facing Barnsley
Chiesa joined Liverpool from Juve in the summer of 2024 in a £12.5milion deal. He arrived with a strong reputation from his exploits in Serie A where he thrived in Turin.
The Italian winger has been unable to replicate his performances with the Old Lady while on Merseyside. That is largely down to Slot's reluctance to use him despite other attackers struggling last season.
Romano delved into the situation regarding Chiesa and his future at Anfield. He alluded to rumours of a return to Italy while speaking on his YouTube channel:
"There are many questions regarding the name of Federico Chiesa – such as whether he could be a potential target for Juventus, he might join Inter as a right-winger, if there is the possibility that Napoli and Roma could return to him. Many of you are asking if Chiesa could be one of the protagonists of this transfer market."
Romano explained that Liverpool have decided that he will participate in pre-season to allow Iraola to give his verdict:
"At the present time, the decision made by the Liverpool player is to participate in the pre-season, to get together with the new coach Andoni Iraola. Chiesa just wants to play his cards in pre-season at Liverpool."
There is a chance that Chiesa will be given more first-team football next season following Mohamed Salah's exit. The Egyptian is leaving the Reds, and the club are already looking for a replacement.
Chiesa Deserves a Chance Under Iraola
Andoni Iraola applauds Bournemouth supportersvia Reuters
Chiesa has shown glimpses of what he's capable of during his time on the pitch for Liverpool. He is an exciting attacker who often comes up with important goals, and perhaps Iraola will take a liking to him.
The Reds are reportedly set to make a second bid for RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande, who is viewed as Salah's replacement. The Ivorian is only 19, and thus, if he is signed, it's important he is eased into the first team without putting too much pressure on him.
Chiesa, described as "underappreciated" while at Juve, can play on either wing or as the focal point of his side's attack. His output wasn't great last season, managing three goals and as many assists in 36 games across competitions.
It's important to note that most of those appearances came off the bench, and he had been used as a bit-part player under Slot. That might change now that Iraola is in the dugout, and judging from his time at Bournemouth, he likes coaching adaptable players.
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