Federico Chiesa is reportedly pushing for a January exit from Liverpool just months after arriving on Merseyside, with Serie A giants Juventus leading the chase to re-sign the 28-year-old winger. According to reports from TeamTalk, informal contact has been made, though any potential deal hinges on Liverpool's firm stance regarding the transfer terms.
Liverpool demand permanent terms as Spalletti plays down links
While reports in Italy claim Juventus have initiated contact over a loan deal, Liverpool are holding a firm line on the terms of any departure. As first reported by Goal, the Premier League side will only consider a permanent sale or a loan agreement that includes an obligation to buy. The club values the Italian international between €10m (£8.3m) and €20m (£17.4m).
However, Juventus head coach Luciano Spalletti has publicly downplayed the immediacy of a deal. Speaking to the press, Spalletti stated: "I am pleased you are giving me this news, seeing as we haven’t even had a meeting yet on the transfer market. But it’s the first I’ve heard of it. For the moment, it’s just thrown out there, but absolutely nothing concrete behind it." Sanctioning Chiesa's departure would also free up a valuable squad registration spot for Liverpool under UEFA's strict homegrown regulations for European competition.
Yankuba Minteh lined up as £70m replacement option
Should Chiesa return to Italy, Liverpool are understood to be tracking Brighton & Hove Albion winger Yankuba Minteh as a primary replacement. The Anfield club have a long-standing interest in the 21-year-old Gambia international. As reported by the BBC, Liverpool previously had consecutive bids of £50m and £60m rejected by Brighton, who are holding out for a fee closer to £70m.
Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler has acknowledged the mounting interest in the young winger. Speaking on Minteh's future, Hürzeler commented: "If the whole team is successful and the individual shines then Yankuba will get a lot of attention again and he can then maybe fulfil his dream in the next transfer window." Liverpool's recruitment team remains highly attentive to Minteh's development, viewing him as a viable long-term addition to their attacking line under head coach Andoni Iraola.
