Federico Chiesa is reportedly willing to accept a salary reduction to facilitate a return to Italy as his move to Liverpool falters just months after arriving. The 27-year-old forward, who joined from Juventus in August for an initial £10 million plus £2.5 million in add-ons, has struggled for rhythm at Anfield and is attracting interest from Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Napoli. According to reports from Calciomercato and Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italian international is open to a lower wage packet than his current £120,000 to £150,000-a-week deal to secure a move back to Serie A in 2025, likely on an initial loan basis.
Fitness issues and the adaptation gap
Since signing a four-year contract through June 2028, Chiesa has managed just 78 minutes of competitive football across three appearances. Speaking at a press conference regarding the player's availability, head coach Arne Slot admitted the forward has found it difficult to match the squad's physical requirements. "He is not at the intensity level we are at in this moment," Slot noted, describing Chiesa’s fitness progress as inconsistent. This lack of availability contrasts sharply with the durable form of Liverpool’s other wide options; Mohamed Salah, Luis Díaz, and Cody Gakpo have remained fit and productive, leaving no immediate vacancy for a player still searching for match sharpness.
Strategic context and Serie A interest
Liverpool viewed the Chiesa deal as a low-risk opportunistic signing, given his fee was a fraction of the €60 million Juventus paid Fiorentina in 2020. However, the move was always balanced against his injury history, specifically the ACL tear sustained in 2022 that derailed his career arc in Turin. For the player, a return to Italy may be driven by the need for guaranteed minutes to preserve his standing in the national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. While Liverpool’s depth in forward areas affords them patience, the emergence of interest from Italy’s top three clubs suggests a swift exit could suit all parties if Chiesa cannot bridge the physical gap between Serie A and the Premier League by the winter window.
The situation remains fluid ahead of the January window, with Liverpool yet to indicate whether they would sanction a temporary departure for their only major senior outfield signing of the summer.