Federico Chiesa is a popular figure at Anfield, but the Italian star’s future at Liverpool has been on the rocks since he was left out of the Reds’ Champions League squad
Patrick Austen-Hardy Senior Sports Journalist
04:00, 20 Sep 2025
Federico Chiesa has had to content himself with a bit-part role at Liverpool(Image: 2025 Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA)
He has been fully accepted into the hearts of Liverpool fans but the future of Federico Chiesa is still uncertain.
Listening to the Reds’ faithful sing You’ll Never Walk Alone under the Anfield lights before the Reds overcame Atletico Madrid 3-2 in the Champions League, Chiesa would have been disappointed to not be involved in the clash. The Italian was left out of Arne Slot’s squad for the most glamorous competition in European football, as the Liverpool boss selected Rio Ngumoha instead.
With the World Cup on the horizon next summer, Chiesa needs to be playing at the highest level as much as possible if he wants to feature for Italy. He is a European champion, but as a result of Italy failing to qualify for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, the 27-year-old will be desperate to be selected for the Azzurri.
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Familiar Liverpool exit route for Federico Chiesa
According to Team Talk, a return to Italy is a possibility for the ex-Juventus forward. It’s by no means a certainty, as Slot evidently values the forward and no formal offer has been made by an Italian club for the striker.
Chiesa has made an appearance off the bench in every Premier League match this season, although his chances could be limited when £125million man Alexander Isak starts playing regularly.
Chiesa’s opportunities could be restricted by Isak’s arrival(Image: 2025 Liverpool FC)
Explaining Chiesa’s reaction in training to his omission from the Champions League squad, Slot said: “He wasn’t selected but he worked really hard these days to be ready for the upcoming days. That is even more important than what a player tells you.”
While Slot preferred to include Ngumoha in his European squad, Chiesa actually has more appearances than the 17-year-old this season. The Liverpool academy star was left on the bench in the opening day 4-2 home victory over Bournemouth, which saw Chiesa score the Reds’ crucial third goal after coming off the bench.
Luis Diaz’s fresh transfer admission
Diaz opened up about the options he had in the summer(Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto)
While there was plenty of excitement around the £450m worth of incomings this summer, Luis Diaz also headed out the door to Bayern Munich. He moved to the Bavarians in a £65m transfer, where he has already contributed four goals and two assists.
However, after his side overcame Chelsea 3-1 in the Champions League, he revealed he held talks with Barcelona. The Colombian told Movistar: “There were conversations [with Barcelona] as there are throughout the transfer market, with several teams. That’s what always drives the market, but I’m very calm about this decision.
“I decided objectively about what was coming for my future, and the important thing is that I joined a big club. It’s a great group, a great family. So, nothing, just try to give my all.”
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