Journalist Confirms Liverpool’s Plans to Sell £12m Forward This Summer | OneFootball

Arne Slot’s Call on Chiesa Highlights Ruthless Efficiency of a Champion

As Liverpool edge closer to sealing the Premier League title under new manager Arne Slot, much of the discussion has shifted to those not featuring in the starting XI. Federico Chiesa’s absence from the matchday squad in the 1-0 win over Leicester City has raised eyebrows – especially given his pedigree and profile – but as David Lynch pointed out when speaking to Dave Davis for Anfield Index, this is a decision grounded not in sentiment, but in Slot’s relentless focus on performance.

Chiesa’s Liverpool Struggles Expose Depth in Quality

When Chiesa signed for Liverpool, expectations were high. A Euro 2020 winner with Italy and one of the continent’s most technically gifted wide forwards, many thought he would inject a new dynamic into the Reds’ attacking options. However, according to Lynch, his integration has fallen flat.

“It’s simple. The manager sees him every week in training and can have a direct comparison to Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota and not really liking what he sees.”

This is not a minor detail. Slot, who appears to be ushering in a new tactical era at Anfield, has already made strong decisions that suggest a prioritisation of intensity, cohesion, and form over reputation. In this context, Chiesa’s omission is less of a shock and more of a statement.

Photo: IMAGO

Slot’s Judgement Not Up for Debate

Arne Slot is on course to win the Premier League in his debut season. For a manager new to English football, this is a staggering achievement. With Liverpool still competing on multiple fronts and playing with renewed energy and tactical discipline, trust in Slot’s decisions is no longer a luxury – it’s a necessity.

“We’re talking about a manager here who is about to win the Premier League title in his first season, so you’ve probably got to trust his judgement.”

This is a sentiment that resonates with the Liverpool faithful. Slot hasn’t just maintained the high standards left by his predecessor – he’s actively evolving the team. Chiesa, for all his talent, hasn’t yet proven he belongs in this version of Liverpool.

“Far too much is being read into Chiesa’s 15-minute performance against Newcastle United in the cup final, but he is clearly not reaching the level in training.”

That line is telling. It suggests Chiesa’s lack of involvement is no longer about acclimatisation or opportunity – it’s about output. And Slot is not the kind of manager to indulge underperformance, regardless of past glories.

Photo: IMAGO

Behind-the-Scenes Admiration Doesn’t Guarantee Success

Lynch also noted that Chiesa remains a popular figure behind the scenes:

“Everything I hear about him behind the scenes is that he is a brilliant character and everyone wants to see him succeed but I just don’t think it’s going to happen.”

This is the kind of nuance often lost in the heat of fan debate. Being a good person and a good teammate matters – but not more than delivering on the pitch. Liverpool’s ambitions under Slot are far too high to carry passengers. The message is clear: character is admired, but contribution is required.

“In terms of the most important things for Liverpool at the minute, this is right towards the bottom.”

It’s a fair point. With a title to win and European fixtures looming, Chiesa’s story may feel compelling to those outside the training ground, but inside it, the focus is on those producing week in, week out.

Subtext Suggests a Summer Exit Is Likely

Slot isn’t in the business of burning bridges, especially when the club might look to move players on. But as Lynch smartly deduced, the writing may already be on the wall:

“Slot is never going to come out and say that he isn’t good enough, because Liverpool need to sell him – but you can read between the lines and accept the decision from a manager that hasn’t got an awful lot wrong this season.”

It’s a pragmatic take and one that aligns with Liverpool’s broader recruitment and sales strategy. If Chiesa is to move on this summer, it’ll be with the club’s blessing and a quiet understanding that sometimes, fit matters more than flair.

In a title-chasing season defined by marginal gains and collective precision, Chiesa’s story may simply be one of the right player at the wrong time.