Chiesa Offered Surprise Liverpool Exit After Champions League Snub

Federico Chiesa could be handed a shock exit route from Liverpool after being left out of their Champions League squad.

The Italian forward was linked with a move away from Anfield throughout the summer but ultimately remained at the club. He netted his first Premier League goal on the opening day, coming off the bench to score in the 4-2 victory over Bournemouth, and has since made late substitute appearances against Newcastle and Arsenal.

However, Chiesa was not included in Liverpool’s Champions League group stage squad submitted last Thursday. Due to UEFA rules on homegrown quotas, he was left out in favour of youngster Rio Ngumoha, who only turns 18 next September and therefore does not yet qualify as homegrown. This decision has reignited speculation about the 27-year-old’s future.

While the transfer window has closed across Europe’s top five leagues, there is still an unexpected option. According to Fabrizio Romano, Turkish side Besiktas have reached out to Liverpool regarding the former Juventus star. The Turkish market remains open until September 11, allowing clubs to finalise transfers.

Trabzonspor have already secured a loan move for Andre Onana from Manchester United, while Ilkay Gundogan has joined Galatasaray from Manchester City. Besiktas, who recently parted ways with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after missing out on Champions League qualification, are also looking to strengthen their squad.

Romano reports that Besiktas have funds available but Liverpool are unwilling to sanction a loan move for Chiesa. He added on his YouTube channel: “Besiktas, in the last 24 to 48 hours, made contact to check on Chiesa’s situation at Liverpool. What I can say is Liverpool do not want him leaving on loan. Talks are not advanced or concrete, but Besiktas did make the call.”