Federico Chiesa decides to stay at Liverpool to impress new manager Andoni Iraola, despite approaches from the Serie A, including Roma.
Should Liverpool Keep Federico Chiesa?
Federico Chiesa signed for Liverpool in the summer of 2024 as the club’s only signing during the 24/25 campaign. It’s fair to say that his time in red hasn’t gone to plan.
However, despite falling out of favour with Arne Slot, his luck may be beginning to turn. With a new manager, the Italian winger will be hoping to turn over a new leaf in his Liverpool career.
A Difficult Start To Life At Liverpool
Chiesa joined Liverpool for just £10 million, so there wasn’t much risk to the transfer at all. Unfortunately, that risk has outweighed any positive contribution that the Italian has provided.
Liverpool's Federico Chiesa during the match REUTERS/Phil NobleDuring his debut season, he struggled to gain valuable minutes as he was regaining his fitness. Arne Slot also hadn’t trusted the player to carry out a key role in the team; therefore, he played just six league matches and started once.
The following season, he played many more minutes and was becoming a clutch player for the Reds, scoring a winning goal in the opening match against Bournemouth and an equaliser against Crystal Palace.
Despite playing 26 league matches during the 25/26 season, he still only managed one start. Therefore, a move for the player was looking extremely likely in the summer.
Roma Approach Rejected
Speaking exclusively to LFC Transfer Room, Sacha Tavolieri revealed that Federico Chiesa had turned down an approach from Roma to remain at Liverpool.
Sacha had also shared that the player is ‘very happy’ at Liverpool. This backs up what Chiesa has been speaking about publicly in wanting to continue his time on Merseyside.
Federico Chiesa’s Desire to Stay At Liverpool
In a recent interview with Lewis Steele, Federico Chiesa shared his passion and love for Liverpool. He also expressed how he wanted to impress Andoni Iraola.
REUTERS“Right now, l am happy here at Liverpool. I love the club, I love the fans, I love everything. I am doing the best I can to have a chance here.”
“And then we will see. At the minute, the only thing I am thinking about is Liverpool. It is always a fresh start at the beginning of the year. Maybe there have been too many fresh starts. But I don't care, I am trying to do my best for this new manager. Last season under Arne Slot, I was trying to do my best.”
“Of course I wanted to play more, but it is what it is. The gaffer decided to do so; he had his game plans, he took his decisions, I have nothing to say about that - It is football. This year, let us say it is a new chapter. There is a new manager, and I have to focus on that.”
These quotes further reiterate the Italian’s willingness to succeed at Liverpool. It’s been far from a smooth journey; however, things may well change.
Author’s Verdict
Federico Chiesa is a favourite amongst the fanbase for his character and, of course, his incredible chant. He has not had appropriate playing time to fit into the club, and Iraola could provide him with the opportunity that Slot did not.
The Italian was one of the most sought-after players following his incredible Euros campaign with Italy. Fast forward a few years and he was signing for Liverpool as a sixth choice attacking option.
He is a player that deserves a real chance, not one match against Plymouth surrounded by youth players, but a chance to play football with the first-team players. His intensity levels could very well work under Iraola, so there is a huge decision to make when it comes to the player’s future.
It wouldn’t be the worst decision to let go of Chiesa; however, he will remain a ‘what if’ player if the Reds continue without him. Given the player’s professionalism, it would seem ridiculous to force him out the door.
