Federico Chiesa has been linked with a move away from Liverpool this summer, and a former Juventus star has now called time on his career at his current club
16:16, 03 Aug 2025Updated 16:16, 03 Aug 2025
Federico Chiesa of Liverpool
Federico Chiesa continues to be linked with a Liverpool exit(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Federico Chiesa continues to be linked with a move back to Italy before the summer transfer window shuts.
Now, a transfer request has surfaced from the Liverpool forward's homeland, accompanied by a surprising statement that could have a domino effect for the player on Merseyside.
The Reds acquired Chiesa, 27, from Juventus for £12.5m, marking Arne Slot's only signing in his inaugural summer as head coach. He penned a four-year contract at Anfield, the first year of which was marred by injuries and difficulty securing Premier League game time.
As a result, the Italian international concluded the season with just one league start in the 3-2 loss to Brighton after the title had already been secured, 14 total appearances equating to 466 minutes on the pitch, and a mere two goals to his name.
Chiesa has since participated in the summer 2025 pre-season matches against Preston North End and Stoke City, the latter being a closed-door event, before it was announced he would be conspicuously absent from Liverpool's tour of the Far East.
Ademola Lookman
Ademola Lookman has released a statement(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
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This was officially attributed to a new, minor issue requiring assessment, but during the weeks the Reds were away, this situation only served to stoke further transfer speculation about a potential departure, reports the Liverpool Echo.
One such rumour originating from Italy in late July suggested interest from Atalanta. Sportitalia reported that the Serie A club are willing to shell out €12m (£10.4m) with Liverpool covering 50 percent of his wages.
But the transfer could only proceed if Bergamo-based Atalanta managed to offload Ademola Lookman, with the club hoping to secure €50m (£43.6m) from Inter Milan for the former Everton winger.
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However, talks have dragged on, with Gazzetta dello Sport among several outlets reporting that a €45m (£39.2m) bid had been turned down. Now Lookman has dropped a bombshell statement claiming his club are preventing his departure, prompting him to submit a transfer request.
Taking to X, he declared: "Over the past three years at Atalanta, I've given absolutely everything. Not just as a footballer, but as a person. I've always worn the shirt with pride and tried to represent this club and the city of Bergamo with heart, passion and dedication.
"I came here with the hope of helping this special club grow and together, we've created memories that will stay with me forever.
"Winning the Europa League and standing shoulder to shoulder with my teammates that night in Dublin celebrating with our fans was one of the proudest moments of my career so far. It still gives me goosebumps thinking about it.
"Atalanta, and especially its supporters, have become a part of me. This place has felt like home from the moment I arrived, and I've always tried to repay that love - even in moments where things haven't been easy behind the scenes.
"That's what makes writing this so hard. I have loved every moment but feel that now, after three wonderful years in Bergamo, it is the right time to move on and experience a new adventure.
"There have been numerous clubs approach Atalanta in the past and I have previously always stayed loyal. However, myself and the ownership of the club have been in agreement that now is the right time and the club were clear with me that if a fair offer came in they would allow me to move.
"Despite now receiving an offer in alignment to what I believe had been discussed sadly the club are blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand.
"As a result and after many months of broken promises and what I feel has been poor treatment towards me as both a human being and as a professional footballer, sadly I feel I have no choice but to speak out for what I believe is right and feel that enough is enough. I can confirm I have now handed in a formal transfer request.
"Even throughout the extremely difficult moments I've endured, many of which have remained private and confidential, I have always tried to put the club, the fans and the team first and hoped it would not get to this, but I unfortunately feel there is now little choice.
"To the fans - the heartbeat of this club - I want to say this: I'm truly sorry it's come to this. I hope you can understand this incredibly difficult situation.
"It's simply about standing up for what I believe is fair and right. The support you have always given me has been incredible and the bond we have created together is special.
"I hope to work together with the club to find an amicable solution for all parties as soon as possible. With love and gratitude, Ademola."
The repercussions of this on Lookman's potential departure from Atalanta remain uncertain, as the club could either stand firm or feel compelled to sell their unsettled player.
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Liverpool might be keeping a close eye on the unfolding events, especially if Chiesa becomes Atalanta's target as they seek a replacement.