Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa is taking dramatic steps to end his disappointing stay at Anfield, with reports indicating he is ready to accept a significant reduction in his wages to secure a return to former club Juventus this month.
A Frustrating Spell on Merseyside
The Italian international, now 28, joined the Reds in the summer of 2024 for a bargain fee of £12.5 million. However, his time in the Premier League has been severely hampered by injuries and a lack of consistent game time. Since his arrival, Chiesa has managed just 35 appearances in all competitions, with a mere eight of those coming from the start.
Rumours of an imminent departure have swirled for months, with a summer move speculated before Liverpool opted to retain him. The situation appears to have reached a critical point in the January 2026 transfer window, with Juventus actively exploring a deal to bring the winger back to Serie A.
Sacrifice to Facilitate Turin Return
According to prominent Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, Chiesa's desire to leave is so strong that he would be willing to take a major pay cut. This financial concession is seen as a key move to help Juventus structure an agreement, potentially making a permanent transfer more feasible or allowing for a higher loan fee with an attractive obligation-to-buy clause.
Liverpool are understood to be seeking a fee in the region of what they originally paid for the player. Talks between the clubs are said to have been ongoing throughout January as they work towards a resolution.
Manager Comments and Squad Implications
Juventus manager Luciano Spalletti, who previously coached Chiesa at international level, recently offered praise for the player, albeit while acknowledging his current club status. "He was in my team at the time," Spalletti said. "It was a compliment I wanted to give him. Chiesa, for his strikes: he's a player of big numbers, who beats his man and creates chaos."
Spalletti added that he was largely content with his squad but left the transfer business to the club's directors. For Liverpool, Chiesa's prospects of first-team football are likely to diminish further with the imminent return of Mohamed Salah from the African Cup of Nations.
With Chiesa's current contract at Liverpool running until the summer of 2028, the coming weeks could be decisive in determining whether his underwhelming chapter in English football is brought to a close.
