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Federico Chiesa looks increasingly likely to become part of what is shaping up to be a huge summer at Liverpool, with change now expected across multiple areas of Arne Slot’s squad. Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson are both heading towards free-agent exits, there is still uncertainty around Ibrahima Konate’s contract situation, and questions remain over the futures of Joe Gomez and Curtis Jones.
The Athletic has reported that amid all the uncertainty over some players at the club, Chiesa is one who is “expected to depart” in the coming summer window.
Chiesa never really managed to establish himself at Anfield or earn Arne Slot’s trust, and the numbers tell their own story. Reports in late March claimed that several Serie A clubs are interested in taking him back to Italy, after another season spent on the fringes of Slot’s plans.
Chiesa has made 32 appearances this season but played only 673 minutes in total, after also managing just 14 appearances and 466 minutes across all competitions last season.
Last season there was some mitigation because Slot pointed to fitness issues, but when a player follows up one bit-part year with another peripheral campaign, it usually becomes clear where things are heading. Chiesa has shown flashes, but not nearly enough to convince anyone he is about to become a central part of Liverpool’s rebuild.
Slot admitted after Tuesday night’s Champions League defeat to PSG that Liverpool are “losing some players on free transfers,” which makes this summer “a big challenge,” while also stressing that the club’s model has worked before and can work again.
He also pointed out that Liverpool have previously sold heavily in order to fund incoming business, underlining the reality that this may be another sell-to-buy window rather than a blank-cheque rebuild.
Slot said:
“That is what we have to play for now in the coming weeks,” Slot told Amazon Prime. “The good thing is Alex (Isak) is back, well able to make minutes.”
“Much has been said that the club is in a transition. The club has sold eight or 10 players to make money to sign five or so very talented players. We have to sell to buy.
“We are losing some players on a free transfer. It is a big challenge in the summer but the club has shown this model works. As I said many times the future looks very good, especially if we can sign players after good players leaving this summer.”
