Federico Chiesa’s Last Dance? Liverpool’s Forgotten Star Eyes Pre-Season Revival

Big Summer, Bigger Decisions Ahead

Liverpool’s transfer window has been nothing short of frenetic, with Arne Slot overseeing a critical reshaping of his title-winning side. The urgency is deliberate. Slot wants clarity, cohesion, and competition in place before the first whistle of the new campaign. Pre-season, often a time for fringe players to fade or flourish, could offer Federico Chiesa one final opportunity to prove he belongs in red.

Chiesa, the £12.5 million signing from Juventus last summer, was seen as a cut-price coup. Yet, plagued by injuries and sidelined by tactical preference, the Italian managed only six Premier League appearances. His Liverpool story has remained unwritten — until now.

Chiesa’s Final Shot

“Yeah, the rumours keep persisting. It hasn’t worked out perfectly for Chiesa. My understanding is that it’s more likely that we’ll get a pre-season for Chiesa at Liverpool and then a decision will be made,” Ben Jacobs told the Market Madness podcast.

With a forward-line revamp underway and Jeremie Frimpong ready to light up the flanks, the heat is very much on. Federico Chiesa is no longer the headline act but could yet become a surprise star of the summer tour if he shows the form that once made him Europe’s most feared wide forward.

The 27-year-old still commands interest, particularly from Serie A. “Were he to leave, Serie A remains his most likely destination, a return there would be his preference,” Jacobs added. AC Milan and a possible Juventus reunion are reportedly on the cards, but Liverpool fans might not have seen the last of Chiesa just yet.

Merseyside Still Believes

Injuries have robbed Chiesa of rhythm, but not of reverence. “Surprisingly, Chiesa still has plenty of potential suitors despite featuring just six times in the league for Liverpool this season,” the report notes. His name still gets chanted on the Kop. That in itself speaks volumes.

As Liverpool recalibrates its attacking options, Chiesa could benefit from the clearout. There’s a real chance of extended minutes during pre-season. Whether he can seize that remains to be seen.

This is not just another squad evaluation — it’s a final audition. Either Chiesa impresses Arne Slot, or he finds himself back on a plane to Italy.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

There’s a growing feeling among fans that Federico Chiesa’s Liverpool chapter might just need a new page — not a closing one. For £12.5m, he still feels like a potential bargain, but patience is thin. We’ve waited for that spark we saw in Euro 2020, the one that had defenders in reverse and fans on their feet.

What’s encouraging is that Arne Slot seems open-minded. Pre-season will be meritocratic, not reputational. If Chiesa delivers, he stays. If not, a graceful exit seems best. Fans aren’t ready to give up on him entirely, but we need to see commitment, sharpness and end product — not just glimpses and nostalgia.

This upcoming pre-season feels like his make-or-break. The backing is there from the terraces. The question is, can he back himself when it really counts?

If he does, he could become one of Slot’s early success stories. If he doesn’t, well, Italy beckons — and we’ll remember him as a ‘what could have been’ in Liverpool red.