Federico Chiesa transfer latest as Liverpool weigh January exit

Liverpool’s forward line has shifted quickly in recent months and Federico Chiesa now looks like one of the clearest names facing an uncertain future. With Bradley Barcola and Victor Munoz added after Mohamed Salah’s departure, and with Alexander Isak back in form, competition in the attacking unit has intensified under Andoni Iraola.

That leaves Chiesa in a difficult position. The Italy international arrived from Juventus in 2024 for £12.5 million, but his spell at Anfield has never truly gathered momentum. Fitness issues, disrupted availability and a lack of sustained rhythm have all played their part. Even when chances have come, he has struggled to establish himself in a crowded attacking picture that also includes Hugo Ekitike, Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha and Lewis Koumas.

According to Tuttomercato, AC Milan and Lazio have now made enquiries over Chiesa’s situation, while Inter remain attentive after previous interest. The latest reporting suggests Liverpool are expected to hold discussions with the player over what comes next, including the possibility of a move in the January window.

AC Milan and Lazio make Chiesa enquiries

There is a clear sense that any deal would be shaped by market conditions in Italy. A permanent transfer may prove difficult immediately, particularly given the player’s salary and Liverpool’s need to protect value. For that reason, an initial loan with an option to buy appears the most realistic structure being explored by potential suitors.

Photo IMAGO

That model would give interested clubs some protection around Chiesa’s fitness record, while also allowing Liverpool to move the situation forward without becoming locked in prolonged negotiations over a full fee. Inter’s stance may also depend on movement elsewhere, with their long-running Luis Henrique situation still relevant to any attacking reshuffle.

Liverpool squad depth raises January questions

For Liverpool, this increasingly feels like a practical squad-management issue. Chiesa’s contract runs until June 2028, but the wider context matters more than the paperwork. If minutes remain limited and opportunities narrow further, a January solution could suit all parties.

A return to Serie A is gathering momentum. Whether that becomes AC Milan, Lazio or Inter may depend on finances more than preference, but the direction of travel looks increasingly clear.

Our View

This has felt inevitable for a while. Chiesa arrived with genuine quality and pedigree, and there was real excitement about what he could offer, but Liverpool have barely seen a run of games that allowed him to settle. Every time there looked to be a window for him, something got in the way, whether that was injury, timing or simply the team moving on without him.

The frustrating part is that there is still a player in there. He has traits Liverpool supporters appreciate, direct running, bravery in one v one situations and a willingness to take responsibility in the final third. But football at the top level moves fast, and Liverpool cannot keep waiting for a maybe when the attack is already being rebuilt around players with clearer momentum.

If the interest from AC Milan, Lazio and Inter is serious, then Liverpool need to be smart. A soft loan that solves nothing would be irritating. There has to be a structure that gives the club a realistic chance of a sale and clears space in a squad that already has enough attacking options.

It would be disappointing if it ends this way, because there was a lot to like about the idea of Chiesa at Liverpool. The reality, though, is that ideas do not win matches. Availability, sharpness and trust do. Right now, it feels like all sides may be better off drawing a line under it.