When Federico Chiesa made his surprising switch from Juventus to Liverpool for around €15 million, hopes were high that the Italian winger could recapture the explosive form that once lit up the Allianz Stadium and Euro 2020. But his Premier League journey proved to be short-lived and largely forgettable.
The 27-year-old managed just 466 minutes of football across all competitions last season, featuring in only 14 games and scoring twice. With Liverpool undergoing a transitional period under new head coach Arne Slot, Chiesa found himself left out of the club’s pre-season tour entirely — a clear signal that he’s no longer part of their plans.
According to Calciomercato, Chiesa has now rejected a move to Fenerbahce, where he would have reunited with Jose Mourinho, and instead is keen to return to Serie A. However, while interest is present, his €7 million-a-year net salary is proving to be a major roadblock for most potential suitors in Italy.
Injuries and Inconsistencies
Chiesa’s story over the past two years has been one of frustration. After tearing his ACL in 2022 — an injury that sidelined him for nearly a year — the Italian has struggled with fitness, picking up minor muscular issues that further limited his game time and rhythm.
Despite his physical struggles, Chiesa still showed flashes of brilliance in limited appearances. His natural ability to beat defenders, inject pace into attacks, and make smart movements in the final third remains intact. But Liverpool’s established front line — and a deep bench — meant the Italian rarely had the platform to rebuild his confidence.
With the 2026 World Cup slowly approaching, regular playing time has become Chiesa’s top priority. And that may only be possible back in Italy, where coaches are more familiar with his style and needs.
A Return to Serie A: The Options and the Hurdles
Several Serie A clubs are believed to be monitoring the situation. AC Milan, Napoli, Roma, and Atalanta have all been linked, though none have yet made a concrete offer. Milan’s potential move for Chiesa is dependent on offloading existing attackers, while Napoli are seeking a replacement for Dan Ndoye. Roma and Atalanta are also in the mix, but all interested clubs are hesitant due to the player’s high salary demands.
There is a clear willingness from Liverpool to negotiate a transfer. Reports suggest the club could accept less than the €15 million they paid Juventus just a year ago. However, unless Chiesa is willing to lower his wage expectations, a move back to Serie A remains complicated.
Chiesa has already turned down a lucrative offer from Turkey, suggesting that money is not the only factor in his decision-making. He wants to be back home, where his playing style and personality are more naturally suited to the tactical nature of Serie A.
What Lies Ahead for Chiesa?
At 27, Chiesa is still in what should be the prime of his career. He was once one of Italy’s brightest attacking stars — a Euro 2020 hero who caused problems for the best defenders on the international stage. But injuries, inconsistent form, and a poorly timed move to England have seen him fall from the spotlight.
Now, he’s chasing redemption — and regular minutes — ahead of the next World Cup cycle. A reunion with a manager like Massimiliano Allegri or Antonio Conte could offer the structure and confidence boost he needs.
But to make that happen, Chiesa must make a tough choice: lower his financial demands for the chance to revive his career in the league that made him a star.
One thing is certain — Italy is watching. And if Chiesa can stay fit and focused, a successful comeback might still be on the cards.
