When Liverpool secured the services of Federico Chiesa last summer, the move was met with a mix of anticipation and curiosity. 

As a proven talent in Serie A and European Championship standout, he arrived on Merseyside with the pedigree and profile to thrive in the Premier League, yet his first campaign in red rarely caught fire. 

Limited minutes, niggling injuries and an adjustment period to the demands of English football left the Italian winger unable to showcase his full potential during the 2024/25 title-winning season. 

Now, as Arne Slot prepares his squad for the new campaign, there are whispers of change behind the scenes. 

Liverpool fans have a lot to say about the position Federico Chiesa played against Preston	Federico Chiesa question remains unanswered as Rio Ngumoha takes Liverpool step	Federico Chiesa's future and 3 more questions for Arne Slot and Liverpool after Preston friendly

Darwin Núñez has been heavily linked towards the exit door, following an inconsistent three seasons at the club, while Luis Diaz has also emerged as a potential target for European giants, Bayern Munich and Barcelona. 

Upon the arrival of Florian Wirtz and with prospects such as Rio Ngumoha emerging from the ranks, some have questioned whether there is still a place for Federico Chiesa in Liverpool’s forward line. 

But, writing him off so soon would be premature. 

This is a player of proven quality and untapped value at Anfield. 

With a full pre-season behind him and a clearer path to minutes ahead, Chiesa could yet become a key figure in Arne Slot’s new-look side. 

LEFT ON THE SIDELINES 

Injuries and squad rotation limited Federico Chiesa to sporadic appearances last campaign – a challenge for any player trying to adapt to a new league. 

He made just fourteen appearances across all competitions, playing a total of four hundred and sixty-six minutes of first-team football and for a wide forward who thrives on rhythm, repetition and confidence, this lack of continuity was always going to hinder performances. 

The eye test shows glimpses of his potential alongside direct threat but without consistent minutes, there was little opportunity for Chiesa to build trust or momentum. 

There was a clear reason why Arne Slot wanted to invest in the Italian last summer and cutting ties before he’s had a sustained opportunity would be not only short-sighted, but contrary to Liverpool’s usual player development approach. 

PRE-SEASON PLATFORMJon Super Photography.

For the first time in his Liverpool career, Federico Chiesa has the benefit of a full pre-season to embed himself within the squad and tactical demands. 

This will be seen as a crucial window, not just physically, but tactically and mentally – particularly in a system that values positional understanding, structured pressing and intelligent final-third movement. 

Last summer, the forward was still attempting to familiarise with his newer surroundings and recovering sharpness after stop-start years in Turin. 

This will now be Chiesa’s opportunity to move from the fringes into a more central role and with clarity over his position and confidence from within, there’s a strong chance we see a more decisive version of the player that arrived less than a year ago. 

BIGGER MARKET PRIORITIES 

Liverpool’s attacking department is already set to undergo major transition. 

With Luis Díaz being closely monitored by Europe’s elite and Darwin Núñez’s future expected to lie elsewhere, the focus at the top of the pitch has inevitably shifted toward how the Reds replace that lost firepower.

There are concrete possibilities for the South American duo to leave Liverpool this summer.

Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images.

Against that backdrop, the question of Federico Chiesa’s future feels less urgent. 

Not because it is unimportant, but because there are now more immediate priorities. 

The tragic passing of Diogo Jota has left not only a deep, emotional void within the club but also a tangible absence in terms of squad depth and versatility. 

Jota’s ability to play across the front line was invaluable; finding someone who can offer even a fraction of that flexibility will take time. 

In that light, offloading Chiesa would be considered questionable with the winger offering cover for all three forward positions. 

PEDIGREE WORTH BACKING 

For all the frustration around his lack of impact last season, it’s easy to forget the calibre of player Federico Chiesa truly is. 

This is someone who lit up EURO 2020 with Italy, starred for Juventus in Champions League knockout ties and built a reputation as one of Europe’s most dangerous wingers before his injury setbacks.

Federico Chiesa and Italy beat England on penalties to win Euro 2020.

Getty Images.

At twenty-seven, he remains in his prime and the potential to contribute at the highest level hasn’t vanished. 

In a team transitioning after the loss of Diogo Jota and likely further changes up front, there is room for Chiesa’s brand of football that aligns with the evolving demands from Arne Slot. 

He should remain as an experienced player worth still betting on. 

SQUAD STABILITY 

Maintaining squad stability will be crucial for Liverpool as they navigate the pressures of a new season. 

Federico Chiesa serves as an important piece in preserving continuity within the squad. 

While new signings and emerging talents add vibrancy, retaining players such as the Italian helps balance the blend of youth and experience. 

His presence offers depth on either wing, providing Arne Slot with reliable options amid inevitable fixture congestion and rotation needs. 

Keeping a hold of Chiesa would support squad harmony and ensure Liverpool’s title defence and European ambitions rest on a stable foundation. 

This isn’t about sentiment or sunk cost, it’s about footballing logic. 

Liverpool may be recalibrating their attack this summer but the decision over Federico Chiesa shouldn’t be rushed. 

He’s not a failed signing, just an unfulfilled one. 

The 2025/26 campaign could become the year where Chiesa delivers on a more prominent basis at Anfield. 

In a season where margins will again be fine, keeping hold of the Italian could prove to be one of Liverpool’s smartest moves.

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