Federico Chiesa earns a basic wage of £150,000 per week but has played just 25 minutes of Premier League football all season.
And now, a reporter has revealed the key moment that changed everything for the Italian winger in the eyes of head coach Arne Slot.
Chiesa was Liverpool’s only major signing last summer, with goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili only expected to arrive midway through 2025. The signing raised eyebrows at the time: why bring in a wide forward when the Reds’ frontline was already bursting with talent?
Though capable of playing across the attack, Chiesa naturally operates from the right flank, the domain of Mohamed Salah – Liverpool’s most undroppable and healthy forward.
That, combined with Chiesa’s suspect injury history, meant his £10 million transfer from Juventus (plus add-ons) was seen as a calculated gamble. Unfortunately, it hasn’t paid off – at least not yet.
Chiesa’s limited impact so far – the context
Recurring fitness issues have continued to plague Chiesa, but even when fit, his role has been largely peripheral. Across 11 appearances in all competitions, Chiesa has played just 387 minutes, with a mere 25 coming in the Premier League.
Calls from supporters for Chiesa to start the recent Merseyside derby were loud, especially given the inconsistent form of Luis Díaz, Diogo Jota, and Darwin Núñez. Chiesa had looked sharp in a goal-scoring cameo during the League Cup final defeat to Newcastle, raising hopes that he could offer something different.
But once again, Slot opted for Diaz and Jota – decisions that ultimately paid off, with Jota scoring the winner and Diaz creating a match-high six chances.
When substitutions came, it was Gakpo and Núñez who got the nod, not Chiesa. Even Salah’s late injury-time withdrawal saw Wataru End? enter the pitch instead of the Italian.
The turning point: Plymouth Argyle
According to Daily Mail Merseyside reporter Lewis Steele, there’s a clear reason for Chiesa’s lack of involvement: his performance in the FA Cup defeat to Plymouth Argyle on February 9.
Chiesa’s display that night is said to have “significantly” lowered his standing with Arne Slot.
While the entire team underperformed during that shock exit, Chiesa’s underwhelming contribution stuck out – particularly given the wealth of attacking options at Slot’s disposal.
Chiesa is in the best physical condition since moving to Liverpool
Despite that setback, the outlook for Chiesa isn’t entirely bleak.
Steele reports that Chiesa is currently in the best physical condition he’s been in since arriving at Anfield.
During the recent international break, which he spent excluded from Italy’s squad (with manager Luciano Spalletti branding his move to England a “failure”), Chiesa took the opportunity to train harder and improve his fitness.
His father, Enrico Chiesa, has publicly stated that Federico is happy at Liverpool and has no regrets about making the move.
Professionalism has been noticed – surely a chance is coming?
Slot’s coaching staff are said to be impressed by Chiesa’s professionalism and attitude. Far from sulking about his lack of game time, the winger remains one of the most vocal and supportive figures on the bench, regularly applauding teammates and urging them on during matches.
That kind of enthusiasm – especially during a difficult personal campaign – has not gone unnoticed.
And while Chiesa remained unused against Everton, there’s a growing sense he will be given a chance to prove his worth during Liverpool’s final eight matches of the season.
Can Chiesa still make his mark?
There’s still time for Chiesa to change the narrative.
He may not be first choice, and he may have faltered in a crucial moment earlier this year, but his sharpness, attitude, and relentless work behind the scenes could yet earn him a shot at redemption.
And if given that chance, it will be up to him to make it count.
