Liverpool could lose “top-level talent” in January

Liverpool had a fantastic summer transfer window with numerous changes shaping Arne Slot’s second season in charge and so far, it has gone to plan.

The Reds have not been at their best in their opening performances, but they have still managed four wins from four and currently sit top of the Premier League table.

The reigning champions also became the first side in Premier League history to win four consecutive matches with goals scored in the final ten minutes.

While some may see this as unsustainable, only time will tell if it defines their season negatively.

This week brings a new challenge as Liverpool begin their Champions League campaign, and expectations are high after last season’s disappointing Round of 16 exit to Paris Saint-Germain.

The six-time European Cup winners host Atletico Madrid under the lights at Anfield tomorrow night, but one fan favourite will be missing from the action.

Federico Chiesa has been left out of the Champions League squad for the first half of the competition, making him ineligible for European matches until at least January.

The decision frustrated supporters, who have embraced the winger since his £10m arrival last summer, but it was cited as an issue with the number of homegrown players in the squad.

Reports now suggest it could be the final nail in the coffin for his Liverpool career, with the Italian regularly overlooked for game time under Slot.

Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke claims sources have indicated that Chiesa could look for a move away from Merseyside when the transfer window reopens in January.

He is reportedly eager to secure regular minutes to boost his chances of becoming a starter for Italy at the World Cup next summer.

However, sources also believe there may be a plan for Liverpool to give him more opportunities once Mohamed Salah departs for the Africa Cup of Nations in January.

Will Liverpool sell Federico Chiesa?

There is no doubt that supporters have taken a shine to their rarely-seen Italian winger, but ultimately it will be Slot who decides his fate and future at the club.

The 27-year-old – once hailed as a “top-level talent” by commentator Seb Hutchinson – already has a goal to his name this season, sparking Liverpool’s 4-2 comeback win over Bournemouth last month.

It has always been a question for Liverpool fans as to why Chiesa doesn’t get more minutes on the pitch, but Slot spoke out before the clash with Burnley last weekend about his decision and the winger’s reaction:

“For a player not to play, it is not always easy to tell them but not to be in the squad is always more difficult. I just explained to him why we made this choice. Of course, he wasn’t happy with that.”

“I think he understood my arguments – that is not to say he agreed with them. He didn’t tell me, by the way, that he didn’t agree with them! But he gave me the answer you want to hear from a player, that he will be there to help the team in the cups and in the league.”

Teenage sensation Rio Ngumoha is believed to have claimed the squad place instead, after impressing the Liverpool boss in pre-season.

While that will give the up-and-coming star valuable experience in the squad, there is enough evidence to suggest that Chiesa could have added both goals and European experience to the team.

Over 30 appearances in European competition, he has scored nine goals and registered four assists – averaging a goal contribution every 139 minutes.

For now, the decision has been made; the question is whether Chiesa chooses to leave in January or stay and fight for a chance in the second half of the season.

About the Author

Rebekka Arnold

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Rebekka Arnold is an experienced writer with a strong background in digital media, PR and football journalism. Since 2021, Rebekka has written opinion pieces and match reaction content for Football Fancast, part of the Snack Media network, building on her growing presence in the football community through viral Twitter content and podcasting. Now at Transfer Tavern, Rebekka brings her sharp eye for analysis and deep passion for the game to deliver engaging football opinion and breaking transfer news content.

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