In a stunning twist that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Liverpool are reportedly gearing up to offload Italian winger Federico Chiesa in the summer transfer window of 2026. This move represents a complete U-turn from the club’s earlier stance, potentially netting Fenway Sports Group (FSG) a tidy £16 million profit on the player they signed just 18 months ago. Sources close to the matter reveal that Anfield bosses are now open to bids, with Serie A giants Juventus leading the chase to bring Chiesa back to Turin.
Chiesa, the 28-year-old Italy international, arrived at Liverpool in the summer of 2024 from Juventus for a bargain fee of £10 million (€11.5m, $13.6m). At the time, the transfer was hailed as a masterstroke by new manager Arne Slot, who saw the versatile forward as a key piece in his attacking puzzle. Chiesa’s pedigree—highlighted by his starring role in Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph and his dynamic performances in Serie A—promised to add flair and depth to a squad already boasting stars like Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz.
However, things haven’t gone according to plan. Despite flashes of brilliance, Chiesa has struggled to secure a regular starting spot in the Premier League. In the 2025/26 season alone, he’s made just one league start, appearing in a total of 24 matches across all competitions. His output? A modest three goals and three assists—far below the expectations set for a player of his caliber. Injuries, tactical mismatches, and fierce competition for places have all played a part in his underwhelming tenure at Anfield.
The decision to sell marks a dramatic reversal. As recently as January 2026, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reported that Juventus had reached out to both Liverpool and Chiesa about a potential mid-season return. While Chiesa was said to be open to the idea, he didn’t push for an exit, instead opting to discuss his playing time with Slot. Liverpool, for their part, rebuffed any advances, signaling their intent to integrate him further into the team. Fast forward to now, and the narrative has flipped entirely. According to exclusive insights from CaughtOffside, the Reds are “ready to sell” and are eyeing a fee in the region of €25–30 million (up to £26m, $35.5m). This would deliver FSG a handsome profit of up to £16 million (€18.4m, $21.8m), underscoring their shrewd business acumen even in the face of on-pitch disappointments.
Why the sudden change of heart? Insiders point to a broader strategy at Liverpool focused on squad refreshment and financial prudence. With contracts for key defenders Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson set to expire in 2026—though a short-term extension is on the cards for the latter—and ongoing doubts surrounding Mohamed Salah’s future, the club is prioritizing outgoings to fund new arrivals. Midfielder Curtis Jones has also attracted interest from elsewhere, adding to the sense of a potential overhaul. The Athletic‘s James Pearce noted in January that there were already “question marks” over Chiesa’s long-term role, a sentiment that has evidently escalated.
Juventus aren’t the only suitors circling. Fellow Italian clubs AS Roma and Napoli have expressed keen interest, drawn by Chiesa’s proven track record in Serie A and his ability to thrive in a more familiar environment. A return to Italy could rejuvenate the winger’s career, especially after the frustrations of limited minutes in England. For Liverpool, cashing in now—while Chiesa’s market value remains solid—aligns with FSG’s model of sustainable success, avoiding the risk of his contract running down without return.
This blockbuster development underscores the ruthless nature of modern football. What was once a promising signing has turned into a profitable exit strategy. Fans at Anfield will no doubt debate the merits of letting Chiesa go, but if the £16 million windfall materializes, it could pave the way for the next big name to grace the Kop. As the summer approaches, all eyes will be on Merseyside for what promises to be a transformative window.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.