The representatives of Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa are reportedly trying to push through the player’s exit in the January transfer window.
The 27-year-old arrived as something of a left-field signing last summer, coming in from Juventus and adding extra attacking depth to Arne Slot’s squad.
There were concerns from some Liverpool supporters that Chiesa’s injury-prone nature made him a risky signing, and those fears have come to fruition.
The Italy international has been consistently unavailable for the Reds this season, whether it be due to injury problems or getting match fit enough to be deemed a good option.
In recent weeks, Chiesa has even been linked with a shock move away from Anfield in January and it is a rumour that is refusing to go away.
According to The Boot Room, the winger’s entourage have “approached” Liverpool about the idea of him moving back to Italy this month” looking to bring a speedy end to his time at the club.
In fact, it is also claimed that Slot is “keen on the idea” of Chiesa returning to his homeland, seemingly not considering him an important player moving forward.
Our thoughts on Chiesa leaving Liverpool in January…
While Chiesa has undoubtedly been a big disappointment for Liverpool so far, there is still little sense in allowing him to depart in January, unless a replacement is being lined up.
He still acts as a backup option to the likes of Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz out wide, and if he can get himself fit, there is no reason why he can’t be an effective substitute in the second half of the season. Slot spoke positively about him in December, too, saying:
“I already said before that it makes it so difficult for me because normally in the pre-season a player gets three, four or five games especially and then he’s only out for four or five weeks. Instead, he was out for so long, so to get him back to his best level is not easy, but it was good to see that he showed some quality already today.”
Should Chiesa still not have made a big enough impact come the end of the season, a decision may need to be made from all parties, but for now, Liverpool need to stand by him.
