Federico Chiesa ‘Prisoner’ Claim at Anfield Sparks Debate
Mixed Messages Over Chiesa’s Future
Gazzetta Italia has reignited discussion over Federico Chiesa’s future, describing the winger as a “prisoner” at Anfield after Liverpool blocked another approach for him before the Turkish transfer window closed. Besiktas were the latest club to express concrete interest, but no deal was sanctioned.
Liverpool’s attacking options have been reshaped this summer with Rio Ngumoha promoted and Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak all arriving for significant fees. The departures of Luis Diaz, Darwin Núñez and Harvey Elliott and the tragic passing of Diogo Jota have brought change and emotional weight to the frontline.
Chiesa was widely expected to be part of that churn but stayed put. The Italian international was not included in Liverpool’s 22-man Champions League squad, a decision that could easily have unsettled him.
Player’s Own Words Suggest Contentment
Chiesa has consistently said he is happy on Merseyside. After his late heroics against Bournemouth, he said: “We’ll talk to Liverpool, but I’ll be honest: I’m happy here. I play for one of the best teams in the world: I have to wait and be ready like I was tonight. I have to prove that I can play for this team. I repeat, the manager has been very good with me in recent months.”
Gazzetta reported that it was Chiesa who rejected the moves to Italy and Turkey rather than Liverpool holding him back. Importantly, the Besiktas offer arrived after he had already been told he would not be part of the Champions League group stage squad, showing a willingness to stay and fight for his place.
Slot’s Backing for Chiesa
Arne Slot has been clear that the winger’s attitude has been exemplary. “Of course it was tough for a manager, it is difficult for him,” Slot admitted. “Of course he wasn’t happy with that decision but he understood the argument. He gave the answer you want to hear from a player and he will be there to help in the other cups and the league. He worked really hard in these days to be ready for the upcoming games.”
These words suggest that far from being a reluctant squad member, Chiesa is viewed as a player ready to contribute when called upon.
Reality Behind the ‘Prisoner’ Claim
The “prisoner” narrative jars with the evidence. Chiesa’s own comments, the stance reported by Gazzetta, and Slot’s public backing point towards a player who remains motivated to play a part in Liverpool’s season. The winger’s omission from the Champions League squad was a footballing decision, not a sign of isolation.
Our View – Anfield Index Analysis
Liverpool supporters will likely dismiss talk of Chiesa being a “prisoner” as pure nonsense. His words after the Bournemouth game struck a chord with fans: here is a player who accepts he must work his way back into contention and is prepared to fight for his place.
The summer overhaul was always going to leave some players in difficult positions, but keeping a player of Chiesa’s quality as an option for domestic competitions could be vital in a long season. With three major trophies still to contest, depth will be key and his pace, directness and big-game experience could prove decisive in cup competitions or in the league run-in.
Slot’s comments also matter. Supporters can take reassurance from the manager’s assessment of Chiesa’s professionalism. It is not always easy for a player to respond positively after being left out of a major competition squad, yet by all accounts Chiesa has trained hard and impressed the coaching staff.
If anything, this situation could motivate him to make an impact when he does get minutes. Liverpool fans will be eager to see him seize those opportunities, forcing his way back into the reckoning and helping drive the club towards more silverware.
