Liverpool Forward is ‘Eager’ to Leave the Club and Join Serie A Giants – Report | OneFootball

Federico Chiesa Set for Summer Departure as Napoli Move Advances

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Napoli are pushing hard to secure the services of Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa, in a move that appears increasingly likely as the summer transfer window approaches. The Serie A side, reportedly emboldened by their Champions League ambitions under Antonio Conte, are keen to offer the Italian international a fresh start following a frustrating stint at Anfield.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is said to be leading negotiations and has made Chiesa a primary target in a broader Premier League recruitment strategy that also includes Kevin De Bruyne. While the Partenopei are advocating for a loan with an option to buy, Liverpool are standing firm—insisting that any deal must include an obligation to buy clause.

This deal structure is pivotal, as Liverpool seek to ensure they recoup some value from a signing that has failed to live up to expectations, despite a modest £12.5 million price tag from Juventus just last summer.

Photo: IMAGO

A Transfer That Never Took Off

Chiesa’s time at Anfield has been defined by stop-start frustrations and an uphill battle for fitness and form. Upon his arrival in August 2024, expectations were muted but hopeful. However, the winger’s inability to break into Arne Slot’s plans became evident almost immediately.

“Chiesa’s struggles stemmed from a disrupted preseason. Frozen out at Juventus, he trained individually for months,” Gazzetta explained. This lack of match sharpness proved difficult to overcome, especially in the high-octane, rotational system favoured by Slot.

In total, the 27-year-old has made just 12 appearances, including only four in the Premier League, and is yet to start a single league match. Though he notched a late consolation in the Carabao Cup final, Chiesa’s defining moment at Liverpool may unfortunately be his underwhelming performance in the 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Plymouth—widely regarded as the final nail in his first-team prospects.

Italy Return Beckons Ahead of 2026 World Cup

Chiesa’s motivations for leaving are understandable. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, the winger is desperate to revive his career and secure a spot in Luciano Spalletti’s Italy squad. Regular minutes are vital, and Napoli, under Conte, could offer the perfect platform for the reset he needs.

“Chiesa seeks regular playing time to revive his career and reclaim a spot in Italy’s national team,” reports Gazzetta. His salary of €4.5 million net is not seen as a problem by Napoli, and the player’s camp is reportedly pushing for the move.

Photo: IMAGO

Talks are said to be at a “very advanced stage”, though no formal agreement has yet been reached. Liverpool’s insistence on an obligation-to-buy clause may slow proceedings, but the direction of travel seems clear: Chiesa’s Anfield exit is nearing.

Future Hinges on Structure, Not Sentiment

With Liverpool crowned Premier League champions under Arne Slot, the club is focused on refining a squad capable of defending their title. Chiesa, a player with clear talent but little contribution, represents a surplus to requirements.

Liverpool’s negotiating stance—prioritising value over sentiment—is pragmatic. A loan deal with an obligation-to-buy would offer clarity for all parties. Should the move materialise, it would mark the end of a short, underwhelming chapter for Chiesa in English football.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

It’s hard not to feel a sense of disappointment reading about Chiesa’s likely departure. Here was a player with pedigree—Euro 2020 winner, electric pace, proven talent in Serie A—and yet, his Liverpool career barely got off the ground. And yes, maybe £12.5 million wasn’t a huge outlay in today’s market, but that’s not the point. It’s the principle.

What frustrates many fans is the “what could’ve been” factor. Could we not have managed his integration better? Yes, he had fitness issues, but he was never given a proper run. After one poor game—against Plymouth, of all teams—he was effectively frozen out. You’d expect more patience for a player of his quality.

Now, watching Napoli try to swoop in and get him on the cheap feels like déjà vu. Yet again, an exciting signing arrives at Anfield, fizzles out without explanation, and heads off to revive their career somewhere else. It happened with Naby Keïta. It might happen again here.

Liverpool must get this deal right. A loan with an option? Absolutely not. Obligation or nothing. If Chiesa shines under Conte, and we let him go for peanuts, there will be questions asked. And rightly so.