Report: Wage demands stall potential move for Liverpool attacker | OneFootball

What Happened to Federico Chiesa? From Euro 2020 Hero to Cut-Price Gamble

Had a poll been conducted just three years ago to crown Italy’s finest footballer, Federico Chiesa would have found himself at—or very near—the top of the list. A driving force behind Italy’s victorious Euro 2020 campaign, Chiesa embodied the Azzurri’s renaissance: pace, flair, and big-game courage. But fast-forward to the summer of 2025, and his trajectory tells a different story—one of injury, stalled momentum, and a stark drop in valuation.

From a market worth of over €70 million, Chiesa now reportedly commands a fee of just €10 million—a figure not only symbolic of his recent misfortunes but also a bargain considering his pedigree. The real stumbling block, however, is his €7 million salary, a number that’s made even Serie A’s biggest suitors hesitate.

Photo IMAGO

Liverpool Tenure: A Brief and Bleak Spell

After persistent links to a Premier League move, Liverpool finally secured Chiesa in what many saw as a statement signing—a nod to their ambitions of reclaiming the title. But it’s a transfer that has since fizzled.

In total, the winger has contributed just 466 minutes for the Reds, only 104 of which came across six Premier League appearances. Whether through tactical incompatibility, fitness struggles, or sheer misfortune, Chiesa never truly integrated into the Anfield machine. As Klopp transitioned to a new generation, the Italian was left on the periphery.

Napoli and Atalanta Circle – But With Conditions

Chiesa’s current predicament has prompted several Italian clubs to explore a return to familiar shores. Napoli have made their interest known, proposing a loan with an option to buy for €9 million. However, they’ve also requested that Liverpool shoulder part of the player’s hefty wages—an ask that has significantly slowed negotiations.

Meanwhile, Atalanta are considering Chiesa as a potential replacement for Ademola Lookman, should the Nigerian depart this summer. Gian Piero Gasperini’s system could suit Chiesa’s directness and dynamism, but again, the salary obstacle looms large. A move would almost certainly require Chiesa to accept a pay cut—something that’s reportedly under discussion.

Turning Down Turkey, Waiting on Italy

Chiesa’s desire is clear: a return to Serie A. He’s already turned down overtures from Fenerbahçe, despite the Turkish club’s willingness to match his current wages. It speaks volumes of his personal ambitions and preference to rediscover form in his home country.

Both AC Milan and AS Roma are monitoring his situation, though neither have made formal bids. For Milan, Chiesa could add depth and competition to their wide areas; for Roma, under Daniele De Rossi’s continued evolution of the squad, he might find the kind of environment that nurtures a revival.

A Second Wind Still Possible?

The story of Federico Chiesa isn’t over—not yet. At 27, he’s at a crossroads. If he finds the right coach, the right system, and rediscovers the self-belief that once lit up Wembley Stadium, there’s still time to reignite a career that once promised to rival the very best.

But the clock is ticking. Football, particularly at the elite level, offers few second chances. For Chiesa, the next few weeks could be career-defining.