Federico Chiesa, the star once expected to shine at Liverpool, has officially concluded his brief stint at Anfield after just one season. The departure of the Italian forward not only leaves fans with regrets but also raises numerous questions about the true reasons behind his failure in the Premier League. From persistent injuries and difficulties adapting to the fierce competition within the squad, what exactly prevented Chiesa from succeeding at the Merseyside club?
A Short-Lived Journey at Anfield
Chiesa joined Liverpool from Juventus in the summer of 2024 for a transfer fee of just £12.5 million – considered a bargain for a player who was once a key figure for Juventus and the Italian national team that won Euro 2020. Manager Arne Slot highly valued Chiesa’s talent and experience, hoping he would bring a breakthrough to Liverpool’s attacking line. However, reality proved to be far different.
Throughout the 2024/25 season, Chiesa made only 14 appearances across all competitions, totaling 466 minutes of play. He scored a single goal in a 4-0 FA Cup victory over Accrington Stanley, but his overall impact was negligible. Limited playing time, frequent absences due to injuries, or being left out of matchday squads turned Chiesa into a peripheral figure in Liverpool’s lineup.
Reasons Behind the Failure
1. Persistent Injuries – Chiesa’s Biggest Enemy
One of the primary reasons for Chiesa’s inability to shine at Liverpool was his long history of injuries. Before arriving at Anfield, he had already struggled with fitness issues at Juventus, and these problems continued to plague him in England. During his first season, Chiesa frequently missed matches due to injuries or other health concerns, such as when he fell ill and missed training ahead of a Champions League clash against Girona.
Manager Arne Slot noted that Chiesa missed the entire pre-season preparation, which hindered his ability to adapt to the high-intensity demands of the Premier League. This lack of physical consistency not only limited his playing time but also eroded his confidence and form on the pitch.
2. Fierce Competition in Liverpool’s Squad
Under Arne Slot, Liverpool boasted a formidable attacking lineup featuring stars like Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Darwin Nunez, and Cody Gakpo. Salah’s untouchable status as a key player, combined with the stellar performances of Diaz and Jota, left little room for Chiesa to break into the starting eleven.
Even when fit, Chiesa was often relegated to the bench or used in less significant matches, such as in the Carabao Cup or FA Cup. This diminished role not only impacted his performance but also cost him a spot in the Italian national team, as he was omitted from call-ups in October and November 2024.
3. Struggles to Adapt to the Premier League
The Premier League is renowned for its fast-paced, high-intensity, and high-pressure environment, which Chiesa struggled to cope with after being hampered by injuries. Slot emphasized that Chiesa’s absence from regular training sessions made it challenging for him to integrate into the team’s playing style.
Former Italian star Antonio Cassano, a compatriot of Chiesa, labeled his move to Liverpool a “mistake.” Cassano expressed surprise at Chiesa’s near “disappearance” at Anfield, often going entire matches without seeing a minute of action. This suggests that the English football environment may not have suited Chiesa’s current condition, especially as he needed regular game time to regain his form.
4. Desire to Return to Serie A and World Cup Ambitions
With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Chiesa is keenly aware that he needs consistent playing time to secure a place in the Italian national team. He once stated, “My dream is to play in the World Cup.” His lack of minutes at Liverpool prompted him to consider a return to Serie A, where he could find a more familiar environment and more opportunities to play.
Several Serie A clubs, including Napoli, Inter Milan, AC Milan, and AS Roma, have expressed interest in Chiesa. Napoli, managed by Antonio Conte, is reportedly in active negotiations to sign him. According to English media, Chiesa and his representatives have reached an agreement with Liverpool for his departure, potentially through a permanent transfer or a loan move.
Chiesa’s Future and Lessons for Liverpool
Chiesa’s exit marks a failed chapter in Liverpool’s transfer strategy. Despite being acquired at a low cost, he could not meet expectations due to both objective and subjective factors. For Liverpool, this serves as a reminder that signing players with a history of injuries requires careful planning and management.
For Chiesa, his Premier League journey may have ended, but the door to Serie A remains wide open. At 27, he still has time to revive his career and chase his World Cup dream. Whether a return to Italy will help him rediscover his past glory remains to be seen, but only time will tell.