Paul Merson names overlooked reason why Liverpool simply have to stop Federico Chiesa from leaving

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Liverpool’s soon-to-be Premier League wining squad is set to undergo some relatively major surgery during the summer transfer window.

The Reds have breezed towards a 20th English league title and need just one more point to secure their status as champions.

However, despite all the enormous – and unexpected – positivity an impending Premier League coronation will bring, the Liverpool squad is ready to be carved up and improved.

This will serve as a marked change from last summer, when only Federico Chiesa arrived as an immediate addition at Anfield.

As another transfer window prepares to open, Chiesa looks likely to leave having played just 12 times for Liverpool all season.

But although the Italian’s fate has felt all but sealed for months, pundit Paul Merson has offered a very good – and perhaps overlooked – reason as to why Chiesa should stay.

Federico Chiesa can provide AFCON relief

Chiesa will become only the third Italian to win the Premier League if Liverpool get over the line as expected in the coming weeks.

But although the 27-year-old will no doubt be thrilled to get his hands on a winner’s medal, he will surely have wished for a bigger contribution.

Despite his lack of action, it feels unlikely Liverpool will struggle to find a suitor for Chiesa, but writing for Sportskeeda, Merson makes the point that next season is an AFCON year, meaning Mohamed Salah will need a more active understudy.

“There is talk of a few outgoings at Liverpool,” he says. “In addition to Trent Alexander-Arnold, one or more forwards may also leave Anfield according to reports.”

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“I know Federico Chiesa hasn’t been involved regularly, but if they have the option to keep him, they should in my opinion.

“He has just been unlucky. I mean, how do you get into that front three? Liverpool did not have many injuries this season but that could change next year. Salah will also be away for the Africa Cup of Nations next season, so it makes sense for them to keep Chiesa at the club.”

When is AFCON 2025?

Arne Slot’s treatment of Chiesa has been the cause of much debate amongst Liverpool supporters this season. Whenever the former Juventus man has played, he has tended to do well.

There is clearly still a player in there, and with reports that Chiesa is happy at Liverpool, we are still holding out hope that next season will mark the true start of his career at Anfield.

It is also worth pointing out that there is doubt over the futures of Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz. Nunez is virtually certain to go, while Diaz could follow him. To lose another forward in a season where Salah will be absent for a while would seem unnecessary.

Liverpool have often managed well during Salah’s AFCON adventures, but it does always require someone to step into the Egyptian’s shoes for a few games at least.

Next season, the tournament takes place at a crucial time during Christmas and New Year. Slated to start on December 21st, the final is currently scheduled for January 18th. If Egypt go all the way, Liverpool will lose Salah for a full month. Chiesa can be the man to step in.