Why Liverpool would actually be foolish to let Federico Chiesa leave this summer

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Few players have had as frustrating Liverpool careers as Federico Chiesa in recent years.Having been brought in as Arne Slot’s only signing during the summer of 2024, there had been hope that the Italian could prove to be a shrewd addition at only £12m.In many ways, he has been, helping Liverpool along to a Premier League title triumph and providing a handful of memorable moments. This sounds like it was aimed at Slot… Photo Credit: Getty Images/Liverpool FC But despite his popularity with the fanbase, Chiesa has never managed to win Slot over.

Two Premier League starts in two seasons is a dire statistic, and it is no surprise to hear that Chiesa will look for a move back to Italy once the summer transfer window opens.While many supporters have made their minds up that he is not good enough for Liverpool and will have no problem seeing him leave, dig a little deeper and there is actually a very compelling argument for Chiesa to stay.Liverpool need more attacking depth, not lessAs was the case when he stayed against the odds last summer, Liverpool are likely to make plenty of changes in their attack this year.Mohamed Salah will leave, while Hugo Ekitike is set for a long spell on the sidelines. Chiesa can fill both of these roles, and while he is not at the level many would want, he is nowhere near as bad as some like to make out.READ MORE: Andy Robertson’s final Liverpool away day ends in shambles at Aston Villa as left-back offers apologyAny successful team needs strength in depth, and with the right players starting more often than not, Chiesa can still provide that for Liverpool.

Liverpool need more depth, not less of it, and if he is okay with keeping the same role as he moves into his late 20s, it is unlikely that the Reds will find a better option than Chiesa to fill that remit.Chiesa could still come to life under a different managerGiven the lack of consistent chances he has been given at Liverpool, it is impossible to say whether Chiesa could actually be much more than a back-up at the club.Slot just does not fancy him, and while it has sometimes been clear why, every player needs some kind of rhythm to show their best selves. Maybe that is exactly what he needs to come back to life.It is understandable that Chiesa has had enough of his role under Slot and needs to head somewhere for greater playing time.