Chiesa rejects Fenerbahçe, eyes Serie A giants to return to Italy
Federico Chiesa is set to leave Liverpool, with Arne Slot's decision to exclude him from the Asia tour confirming his departure. The Italian winger, keen for consistent playing time, has rejected a move to José Mourinho's Fenerbahçe, prioritizing a return to Serie A, with Milan and Napoli his preferred destinations, though his high salary and injury history pose challenges.
Federico Chiesa is on the verge of departing Liverpool in the coming weeks. The decision has reportedly been made, with manager Arne Slot's choice to exclude him from the Reds' pre-season tour of Asia serving as confirmation: the former Juventus winger is not in the club's plans and will be sold before the summer transfer window closes. Having arrived at Anfield in the summer of 2024 for approximately €15 million, Chiesa struggled to find consistent playing time due to injuries and established hierarchies in attack.
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The Fiorentina youth product managed only 2 goals in 466 minutes across 14 appearances in all competitions – numbers indicative of a reserve player, a status Chiesa is no longer willing to accept. With the next World Cup (hopefully) on the horizon, he desires regular action, which is why he is seeking to leave the Premier League after just one season.
No to Fenerbahçe
Liverpool is looking to recoup their initial €15 million investment, but as the transfer deadline approaches, they might be open to a discount. Both parties are keen on a permanent farewell, ruling out a loan move. While José Mourinho's Fenerbahçe has registered interest in Chiesa, a move to Turkey and the Süper Lig currently holds little appeal for the player. His top priority is a return to Italy, specifically Serie A, to a club where he can once again be a protagonist, guaranteed continuity and trust, in addition to a top-player's salary.
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High wages and injury concerns
This desire for a significant role and high salary could present complications. Chiesa currently earns around €7 million net in England, a figure deemed too high for most Serie A clubs, even the top ones. To facilitate a return to Italy, he would need to lower his wage demands. Potential suitors are also well aware of his recent injury history.
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His medical file includes an anterior cruciate ligament injury suffered in January 2022 and several subsequent muscular issues that have hindered his definitive breakthrough. While his talent is undeniable—when fit, Chiesa has proven to be a game-changer and a top player—bringing him to Italy at certain financial figures could still be perceived as a risk.
Milan or Napoli
Under favorable economic conditions, however, Chiesa could prove to be a winning gamble. Currently, his name has surfaced on the wish lists of Atalanta (should Lookman depart), Roma, Napoli (who are looking for a winger after Ndoye opted for Nottingham Forest in the Premier League), and Milan.
The latter two clubs, Napoli and Milan, would be particularly appealing destinations for the former Juventus player, who is familiar with both Antonio Conte (Napoli coach) and Massimiliano Allegri (former Juventus coach, now at Milan). Milan, to whom Chiesa has been offered, is currently observing the situation. Any potential arrival of Chiesa at Milan is reportedly linked to the sales of Noah Okafor and Samuel Chukwueze and is not considered a priority at this moment.
