Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has expressed confidence that forward Federico Chiesa will remain at Anfield this season following his crucial match-winning goal in Liverpool's 4-2 victory over Bournemouth.
Chiesa, who transferred from Juventus for £12 million last summer, struggled for playing time last season, managing just one Premier League start due to fitness issues and injury setbacks, including missing the team's Asian tour. However, he made a significant impact in the opening game of the new season by coming off the bench to score the go-ahead goal after Liverpool had lost their two-goal lead. This marked Chiesa's first Premier League goal, and notably, all three of his goals for Liverpool have come in the 88th minute or later.
Despite intense speculation linking Chiesa to a return to Italy during the summer transfer window, Slot emphasized the forward's future lies with Liverpool "as long as he's here," highlighting both the player's recent performance and the strong support he receives from the fans. Slot indicated that Chiesa's ability to respond positively when called upon bodes well for his role at the club going forward.
From a broader team perspective, Liverpool are dealing with key departures in attack, including the tragic loss of Diogo Jota and the sales of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, while other attacking players like Ben Doak and potentially Harvey Elliott appear on the verge of leaving. This situation underscores the importance of retaining Chiesa, whose relatively low transfer cost and potential after overcoming injuries make him a valuable asset for Liverpool's squad depth and attacking options.
In summary, both the manager's comments and the club's current squad situation strongly suggest that Federico Chiesa is expected to remain part of Liverpool's plans for the 2025-26 season.