Liverpool fan favourite hints at imminent transfer exit after Arne Slot demand
Liverpool star Federico Chiesa has spoken out on his future after a difficult season at Anfield with speculation mounting over whether could be set for a transfer to Italy
Federico Chiesa has admitted that his future will be addressed this summer after struggling in his first season at Liverpool. The Italian star was the Reds only incoming transfer last summer in Arne Slot's first season but failed to break into the Dutchman's starting XI.
Chiesa arrived at Anfield from Juventus in what appeared to be a bargain deal but initially struggled with injuries. The 27-year-old made just 14 appearances for the club in his first season with just four of those being starts, but despite this he has gained a cult following with Liverpool fans with his song sung regularly on the Kop.
The 51-cap Italy international was linked with a return to Italy as early January but remained on Merseyside as Liverpool won the league. AC Milan are said to be a potential suitor this coming summer.
Chiesa's focus is on turning up for pre-season in good condition, but a conversation on his future appears to await him.
'It will be a topic to address in the summer," told Gazzetta dello Sport, per Sport Witness. "My agent, my family and I have an excellent relationship with Liverpool. The goal is to be ready for the training camp, we will look for the best solution for everyone."
Those words echo what Slot has demanded from his charge. The Dutch head coach believes Chiesa still has a future in Liverpool colours, albeit contingent on one condition.
The former Feyenoord boss has called upon the star to return to the AXA training centre fully fit so that he can thrive in pre-season. Slot said: "Does he have a future here? Yes, definitely he has.
"Next season, if he comes back completely fit, which he has hardly been for the first half-season, I can give him playing time in pre-season, so he can build himself up and then go even further.
"The moment he came in he was, by a long time, not as fit as the other payers were and that doesn't help in the beginning. The other ones did so well, there was not a lot of reason for me to change and then being in the squad becomes difficult if Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota are there as well."
Chiesa also revealed he was never offered the chance to renew his contract at Juventus before his exit. Thiago Motta, who was sacked in March, informed the player he was not part of his plans.
"I was never offered a renewal, there were contacts to talk about it after the European Championship but no one ever got back to me," he said. "When I returned after the holidays and the wedding I immediately spoke to Thiago Motta, who told me clearly and bluntly: 'You are not part of the project, find yourself a team'."
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