How likely Federico Chiesa is to leave Liverpool as Reds set out surprise stance

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Exclusive with Graeme Bailey.

Liverpool are happy to keep Federico Chiesa as part of their squad next season, but the forward is likely to push for a move, Rousing The Kop can exclusively reveal.

Chiesa was Arne Slot’s only new signing last summer, arriving from Juventus in a cut-price deal.

Although the Italian joined with a big reputation, he has managed only 13 appearances all season and is yet to start a Premier League match.

As a result, there have been rumours that Chiesa is set to leave Liverpool after just one year this summer.

And although RTK understands that the Reds are not actively looking to sell the 27-year-old, it remains a strong possibility that he will depart.

Sources have indicated that the choice will be left up to Chiesa himself, with Liverpool highly unlikely to stand in his way if a transfer is sought.

Federico Chiesa highly likely to leave Liverpool

Chiesa was seen as a low-risk transfer by Liverpool last summer, with plenty of upside to a cheap deal being done with Juventus. However, things have not worked out for the European Championship winner.

To get more context on Chiesa’s likely exit, RTK asked journalist and transfer expert Graeme Bailey to explain the current situation.

“On Chiesa, the thinking is if he wants to stay they’ll let him stay,” says Bailey. “They’re happy to let him fight for his place. If he wants to go they’ll let him go. That’s the thinking. It will be totally dependent on the player himself.

“Intrinsically he hasn’t been good enough to get in the team. If he wants to be there as fifth, sixth choice striker then they’re happy to let him. The outlay on him was minimal.”

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“However, I’d be absolutely amazed if he’s still there in August,” adds the reporter. “He’ll be keen to get back in the Italy team ahead of the World Cup.

“I don’t see how he stays and that’s the way Liverpool are seeing it. They’re not attacking him, he’s not attacking them. It just hasn’t worked out.

“It was a no-brainer signing, a no risk situation and they’re not going to lose money on the deal.”

Is there any chance Chiesa could stay?

Although it has been a difficult season for Chiesa, the Italy international has regularly cut a happy figure around the Liverpool training ground and on matchdays.

However, while there is understood to be no issue with Chiesa’s attitude, the forward is eager for more playing time.

As a result, although Liverpool’s stance is potentially a surprise to some given his lack of involvement under Slot, an exit remains the most likely outcome this summer.

Chiesa will not be short of offers from Italy and elsewhere and while the Reds would be happy to see him stay, they will happily go along with the player’s wishes.