Federico Chiesa’s first year at Liverpool has ended not with a clear path forward, but with a complex crossroads. The Italian winger is now facing direct pressure from new Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso to secure more playing time, just as interest from Serie A clubs begins to heat up. This puts both Chiesa and Liverpool in a position where a decision on his future must be made this summer.
Gattuso’s Ultimatum: ‘Play Consistently’
The most significant pressure comes from the Italian national team. In his first press conference on Thursday, Gattuso revealed he has already spoken with Chiesa and delivered a clear message: consistent first-team football is a prerequisite for a recall to the squad.
“In these days I called 35 players, I spoke to everyone,” Gattuso told reporters. “Even Chiesa, to whom I told to play consistently… The pitch speaks: if you do things well, the doors of the national team are open.”
After a season at Anfield that saw him make only four starts (totaling just 466 minutes across 14 appearances), Chiesa understands that his position on the bench has cost him his spot in the national team, a situation he is keen to resolve.
Chiesa’s Dilemma: Stay or Go?
For his part, Chiesa has sent mixed but honest signals about his future. In a recent interview, he admitted he would be open to remaining at the club, stating, “I wouldn’t mind staying in Liverpool at all.”
However, he confirmed that crucial talks are imminent. “I’ll soon sit down at the table with Liverpool, my agent (Fali Ramadani), and my family to find the best solution,” he said. This suggests that while he is not actively pushing for an exit, he is aware that his current role as a backup is not sustainable for his career ambitions.
The View from Serie A: Napoli and Milan Lie in Wait
Several Italian clubs are monitoring the situation closely, with Napoli and AC Milan reportedly leading the chase. Napoli’s interest is particularly strong, as they are also linked with Chiesa’s Liverpool teammate, Darwin Núñez.
A return to Italy is made more feasible by Chiesa’s willingness to be flexible. Reports indicate he is prepared to reduce his net salary of around €7.5 million per year to facilitate a move back to his home country.
Liverpool’s Negotiating Position
Liverpool holds a strong position in any potential negotiations. Having signed Chiesa from Juventus last year for a fee of around £10 million (€12M), and with the player under contract until 2028, the club is under no pressure to sell him cheaply. They will almost certainly look to recoup their initial investment and will likely aim to turn a profit.
The ideal solution for all parties appears to be a permanent transfer that would allow Chiesa to secure the starting role Gattuso has demanded, while allowing Liverpool to reinvest the funds, potentially in a new backup for Mohamed Salah.
What to Watch For
- The Meeting with Liverpool: The outcome of the planned discussion between Chiesa, his agent, and the club will be the most critical next step, setting the direction for the rest of the summer.
- A Formal Bid from Italy: Will Napoli or AC Milan translate their reported interest into a concrete transfer offer that meets Liverpool’s valuation?
- Liverpool’s Squad Planning: Any move by Liverpool to sign another right-sided winger would be the clearest indication that the club is actively planning for Chiesa’s departure.
