The transfer rumor mill surrounding Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa has taken a dramatic turn, with fresh developments that could reshape the Italian winger’s future. Chiesa, who joined Liverpool from Juventus for £12.5m in the summer of 2024, has struggled to secure a consistent role under manager Arne Slot. With just one Premier League start last season and a mere 466 minutes across 14 appearances, the 27-year-old’s time at Anfield has been marred by injuries and fierce competition for places. Now, a shocking twist involving Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman has thrown the spotlight back on Chiesa’s potential exit, and Liverpool’s next move could be a game-changer.
Chiesa’s Rocky Road at Liverpool
Federico Chiesa arrived at Liverpool with high expectations, having been a standout performer during his time at Juventus. However, his debut season was anything but smooth. Limited to just two goals and two assists in all competitions, Chiesa found himself sidelined by injuries and unable to break into a stacked attacking lineup featuring stars like Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and new signings Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike. His solitary Premier League start came in a 3-2 defeat to Brighton after Liverpool had already clinched the title, underscoring his peripheral role under Slot.
This summer, Chiesa featured in pre-season friendlies against Preston North End and Stoke City, even scoring in the latter, a closed-door match. However, his absence from Liverpool’s pre-season tour of the Far East—officially attributed to a minor fitness issue—fueled speculation about his future. Reports from Italy, particularly from Sportitalia, suggest that Serie A side Atalanta is keen to bring Chiesa back to his homeland, but the deal hinges on a critical condition: the sale of their star winger, Ademola Lookman.
The Ademola Lookman Bombshell
The Chiesa transfer saga took an explosive turn when Ademola Lookman, Atalanta’s talismanic forward and former Everton player, publicly announced his desire to leave the Serie A club. In a heartfelt yet scathing statement posted on X, Lookman revealed he had submitted a formal transfer request, accusing Atalanta of blocking a move despite prior agreements. “Over the past three years at Atalanta, I’ve given absolutely everything,” Lookman wrote. “I feel that now, after three wonderful years in Bergamo, it is the right time to move on and experience a new adventure.” He expressed frustration over “broken promises” and “poor treatment,” stating that a fair offer had been rejected for reasons he could not understand.
Lookman’s statement has sent shockwaves through the football world, with Inter Milan reportedly leading the race to sign him for a fee in the region of €50m (£43.6m). Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Inter’s initial €45m (£39.2m) bid was turned down, but Lookman’s public transfer request could force Atalanta’s hand. For Liverpool, this development is pivotal, as Atalanta’s interest in Chiesa is contingent on securing funds from Lookman’s sale.
Liverpool’s Stunning Move
In a bold and unexpected twist, reports suggest Liverpool is prepared to facilitate Chiesa’s departure to Atalanta by covering 50% of his wages as part of a €12m (£10.4m) transfer deal, according to Sportitalia. This move would see the Reds recoup most of the £12.5m they paid Juventus, albeit at the cost of subsidizing Chiesa’s £150,000-per-week salary—a significant financial commitment to offload a player who has not lived up to expectations. This willingness to share the wage burden is a stunning departure from Liverpool’s typically prudent transfer strategy and signals their determination to move Chiesa on swiftly.
The deal’s structure could prove to be a masterstroke, allowing Liverpool to free up squad space and potentially reinvest in new targets, such as Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, who has been linked with a £110m move to Anfield. However, it also highlights the club’s acknowledgment that Chiesa’s time at Liverpool has not worked out, with manager Arne Slot reportedly viewing him as surplus to requirements.
What’s Next for Chiesa?
For Chiesa, a return to Serie A could be the lifeline he needs to revive his career. Atalanta, fresh off a third-place finish in Serie A and Europa League success, offers Champions League football and a chance for Chiesa to regain his place in Italy’s national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup. New Italy manager Rino Gattuso has reportedly warned Chiesa that regular playing time is essential for a call-up, making a move to Bergamo an attractive proposition.
However, Atalanta is not alone in the race for Chiesa’s signature. CaughtOffside reports that Napoli, AC Milan, and AS Roma are also monitoring the situation, with Napoli exploring an initial loan deal with a €9m purchase option. Chiesa’s high salary remains a stumbling block for most Italian clubs, which could give Atalanta an edge if Liverpool’s wage-sharing proposal holds firm.
The Domino Effect
Lookman’s transfer request has set off a chain reaction that could reshape the transfer market. If Atalanta secures the €50m they demand for Lookman, they will have the funds to pursue Chiesa aggressively. For Liverpool, this could mean a swift resolution to the Chiesa saga, allowing them to focus on other targets before the transfer window closes. Meanwhile, Lookman’s potential move to Inter Milan could see the former Everton star return to prominence in Serie A, while Chiesa’s departure would mark the end of a disappointing chapter at Anfield.
Conclusion
Liverpool’s willingness to subsidize Federico Chiesa’s wages in a potential €12m move to Atalanta is a jaw-dropping development that underscores their urgency to move on from the Italian winger. Coupled with Ademola Lookman’s explosive transfer request, the stage is set for a dramatic conclusion to this transfer saga. Whether Chiesa returns to Serie A to rediscover his form or another twist emerges, one thing is certain: the football world will be watching closely as this stunning story unfolds.