Federico Chiesa is seeking a new chapter at Liverpool under head manager theguardian.com, insisting that his primary focus remains on staying at Anfield despite ongoing transfer speculation linking him with a return to Italy, according to BBC Sport. The 28-year-old forward recently scored in a pre-season friendly where Liverpool beat Sunderland 4-2 in Nashville.
Chiesa Eyes New Chapter Under Iraola
Chiesa joined Liverpool from Juventus in August 2024 in a deal worth £12.5m and is contracted with the club until 2028. Serie A sides Como and Juventus have been linked with a move for the Italian international this summer. However, Chiesa stated after the friendly in Nashville: Right now, at the moment, I am happy here at Liverpool. I love the club, I love the fans, I love everything. I am doing the best I can to have a chance here – and then we will see.
Frustrating Minutes Under Arne Slot
The forward’s desire to stay follows a challenging period under former manager Arne Slot, whose departure occurred after a troubled campaign. Slot was dismissed following a season where Liverpool secured Champions League qualification on the final day, an achievement Chiesa described by noting that the team was battling for fifth
and that they were “lucky” because usually only four teams advance.
During Slot’s tenure, Chiesa struggled for regular starting opportunities. In his debut 2024–25 season, he made 14 total appearances—10 as a substitute—as Liverpool won the Premier League title. In the 2025–26 campaign, despite injuries to fellow attackers Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitiké, Chiesa made 36 appearances across all competitions but was restricted to just 31 substitute outings, starting only one Premier League game all year. His last start came on February 14 in an FA Cup fourth-round victory against Brighton.
Last year, I felt ready for a bigger role, then it depended on the coach whether he wanted me to play or not,
Chiesa noted. Of course I wanted to play more but it is what it is. The gaffer decided to do so, he had his gameplans, he took his decisions, I have nothing to say about that. It is football.
Adapting to Iraola’s Tactics and Pre-Season Focus
Following Iraola’s appointment in June, Chiesa is looking forward to establishing himself under the Basque coach. The only discussions Chiesa has held with Iraola so far have centered on tactics and pressing, with the manager deploying him as a striker against Sunderland.
It is always a fresh start at the beginning of the year. Maybe there have been too many fresh starts. But I don't care, I am trying to do my best for this new manager. Last season under Arne Slot, I was trying to do my best too. This year, let us say it is a new chapter. There is a new manager and I have to focus on that. Reflecting
Liverpool’s pre-season schedule continues with matches against Wrexham at Yankee Stadium and Leeds United in Chicago.
