Federico Chiesa is set to stay at Liverpool for the 2026/27 season after reportedly deciding against pursuing a transfer. The Italian forward has gone on Liverpool's pre-season tour of the United States, where he has decided he wants to stay and fight for his place in the side, with Calciomercato describing the decision as a U-turn.
Chiesa had been a bit-part player during his Liverpool career and had been expected to leave in the summer transfer window. Interest from Serie A and Atletico Madrid, together with Liverpool's willingness to sell, had made a move appear likely. However, the 28-year-old has now changed his mind.
The forward has just five goals and five assists in 50 appearances for Liverpool since joining from Juventus for £10million two years ago. Only three of his 34 appearances were starts last season under Arne Slot, and a move elsewhere in search of more regular game time had been on the cards. With two years remaining on his contract, Chiesa has reportedly decided to stick rather than twist.
Iraola frustrated by August uncertainty
Andoni Iraola, in charge after three impressive seasons at Bournemouth, was brought in to turn around the disappointing drop-off in the Reds' second campaign under Slot. He has admitted to frustrations around the uncertainty of the transfer window, speaking to reporters in Chicago.
"I particularly hate this month of August because you start the competition, you still don't know if some of the players are going to leave, who is going to come, there is a lot of uncertainty," Iraola said.
"It's difficult to build a proper team with a lot of question marks, but it is what it is, it is the same for all the teams. It is the same every season and I particularly enjoy when it's the first of September - done, this is who we are and we build from here.
"But we have to deal with this month of August that I think a lot of the coaches, if not all, we don't like it."
Liverpool's summer window so far
The summer has been largely frustrating for the Reds, with the departure of Fenway Sports Group chief Michael Edwards complicating matters. Liverpool have spent £35m to sign Victor Munoz from Osasuna and remain in the market for another winger. Paris Saint-Germain's Bradley Barcola is among the options after the chances of landing RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande receded.
