Liverpool’s summer 2024 arrival Federico Chiesa is reportedly so eager to depart Anfield at the end of the season that he is prepared to accept a significant pay cut to facilitate a move back to Italy, according to Italian media.
Signed by Arne Slot as the new Liverpool manager’s first acquisition, Chiesa arrived from Juventus for a modest £10 million plus £2.5 million in add-ons — a deal widely viewed at the time as a shrewd piece of business. Yet, less than two full seasons into his Liverpool career, the 28-year-old Italy international appears desperate for a fresh start.
Chiesa has struggled with injuries and stiff competition for places in Slot’s squad. Despite showing flashes of quality, the winger has managed just 48 appearances for the club so far, contributing five goals and five assists. This season he has started only one Premier League match, underlining his peripheral role at the reigning champions.
His contract runs until the summer of 2028, but according to Calciomercato, Chiesa is now actively considering a return to Serie A. The report claims the former Fiorentina and Juventus attacker is even willing to lower his current salary — understood to be in the region of €6-6.5 million per year (approximately £5.6m / $7.6m) — to make a move happen.
“After choosing to stay in England a year ago despite some interest from Serie A, the 1997-born player is now starting to consider a possible return to Italy, for which he would even be willing to lower his current salary,” the Italian outlet stated.
Not the Only One: Curtis Jones Also Linked with Exit
Chiesa is not the only homegrown or established Liverpool player whose future is under scrutiny heading into the summer transfer window.
Midfielder Curtis Jones, a product of the club’s academy who has developed into a reliable first-team option, is also attracting significant interest. Transfer sources indicate that Newcastle United and Aston Villa are monitoring the England international, while Inter Milan are keen on a potential 2026 deal.
Jones, who is out of contract in summer 2027, has yet to agree fresh terms with Liverpool. Speaking on The Here We Go Podcast in late April, respected journalist Fabrizio Romano highlighted the situation:
“Curtis Jones is out of contract at Liverpool in summer 2027. At the moment, to my understanding, there is no agreement to sign a new contract. At the moment, everything is on total standby between Curtis Jones, his camp and Liverpool. Several clubs are tracking Curtis Jones. There was interest from Premier League clubs already in the January transfer window. There was interest also from Inter in Serie A in January and I think Inter remain keen on the player. So be careful with this situation.”
For a club that has just celebrated another Premier League title, the prospect of two notable players potentially heading for the exit door — one of them Slot’s very first signing — raises questions about squad depth and long-term planning.
While Chiesa’s willingness to sacrifice wages demonstrates the strength of his desire to leave, Liverpool’s strong negotiating position (thanks to his long contract) means any departure would likely still command a respectable transfer fee. Whether a suitable destination in Italy emerges remains to be seen, but the signals from the player’s camp are clear: after a frustrating period on Merseyside, Federico Chiesa is ready for a new chapter.