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Liverpool Facing Uninspiring Loan Terms for Federico Chiesa Amid Serie A Interest

Liverpool may be Premier League champions, but not every deal this summer is shaping up to match their on-pitch dominance. According to La Lazio Siamo Noi, relayed via Sport Witness, Italian international Federico Chiesa is now being eyed by Lazio, with new boss Maurizio Sarri reportedly “really liking” the winger and eager to bring him to Rome.

Chiesa’s first season on Merseyside has been disappointing. Despite high expectations following his arrival, the 27-year-old has struggled to cement a starting spot under Arne Slot. While flashes of his explosive pace and attacking flair were visible, consistency has eluded him, and the Reds now appear willing to explore an exit.

Chiesa’s Exit Gaining Momentum

A potential move to Lazio is on the table, though not without complications. Sport Witness reports: “A deal would have to happen on the right terms though. The Biancocelesti want an option to buy in a loan deal and would want Liverpool to pay half of his current salary.”

Photo: IMAGO

That clause immediately raises concerns. For a club as financially astute as Liverpool, subsidising half of a high-profile player’s wages without a guaranteed sale could be seen as poor business. There is interest from Napoli as well, which may increase pressure on Lazio to act swiftly, but whether they or any Italian side are willing to shoulder the full cost remains unclear.

As Sport Witness continues, “So far, Liverpool have opened up to the possibility of a loan deal with the option to buy and they would want a fee that goes up to €15m.” That is a modest figure for a player of Chiesa’s calibre, albeit one whose form has dipped.

Limited Appeal of Current Loan Structure

The suggested deal structure includes a loan with an option, not obligation, to buy, coupled with Liverpool covering 50% of the wages. On paper, this is a poor deal for the Anfield club. The likely outcome? Chiesa spends another season underwhelming elsewhere, while Liverpool still carry half his salary on their books and risk devaluing the asset further.

As the article notes, “An Italian side taking him on and paying full salary is unlikely.” This leaves Liverpool either footing the bill or finding a more suitable buyer willing to negotiate better terms. If this is the best offer on the table, it’s no surprise the deal is being described as “complicated”.

Photo: IMAGO

What Next for Chiesa and Liverpool?

It’s not uncommon for players to struggle in their first Premier League season, especially when coming from Serie A, but Chiesa’s case may be beyond repair. With Arne Slot ushering in a new tactical identity at Liverpool and already making his mark with a league title in his debut season, there may simply be no place for a winger who doesn’t fully fit the system or contribute consistently.

While Lazio and Napoli circle, Liverpool must tread carefully. Letting Chiesa go is logical, but not at any cost. Recouping a sensible fee and removing wage liabilities should be prioritised over simply moving a player on quickly.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

It’s hard not to feel short-changed by this development if you’re a Liverpool fan. Federico Chiesa was supposed to be one of those rare attacking talents who brought flair and explosiveness to the wide areas. He had the pedigree – Euro 2020 winner, Champions League experience, and a highlight reel of goals and assists in Serie A.

Instead, he’s become a peripheral figure, and the club now finds itself being asked to pay to get him off the wage bill. A loan with a €15m option and Liverpool covering half his salary? That’s a slap in the face after the promise he came with. If Lazio really want him, why aren’t they prepared to commit more?

We understand that not every transfer works out, and yes, Arne Slot may prefer other profiles. But Liverpool are champions, and champions should never be seen as desperate sellers. Accepting these terms would set a dangerous precedent. Chiesa may not be the future, but he deserves a dignified and strategically sound exit. So do the fans.

If this is how we’re offloading talent in a title defence summer, serious questions need to be asked. One poor season shouldn’t mean surrendering value.