Insider: Arne Slot approves a low-cost departure for one player from Liverpool this summer.
Arne Slot has reportedly given the go-ahead for Liverpool to sell a specific player this summer, according to an insider.
Federico Chiesa was the first signing under Slot, joining from Juventus for an initial £10 million (plus £2.5 million in add-ons) last August. However, he struggled during his first season at Liverpool, even as the team enjoyed Premier League success.
Speculation about Chiesa’s departure has increased, with The Athletic suggesting that FSG might entertain offers for the 27-year-old, especially from clubs like Real Betis and Napoli.
Slot apparently does not see Chiesa as part of his long-term plans. Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown, who has strong industry connections, told Football Insider that Slot has not been fully impressed with Chiesa, leading Liverpool to consider bids that would allow them to recoup their investment or potentially make a profit.
Brown stated: “Liverpool are open to offers for Chiesa. He hasn’t met expectations, and the manager doesn’t view him as part of his future plans. He was brought in as a backup but has had limited playing time.”
Several clubs are interested, and it seems Chiesa would be open to a transfer, given his lack of regular action.
Liverpool feels that if they can recover around £10 million or even profit, it would be a good deal considering his minimal contributions. However, they might also choose to keep him if they believe he can provide more value than alternatives like Harvey Elliott.
Despite the low fee at which Chiesa was signed, selling him for most of that amount might be reasonable. While he remains a fan favorite, his performance has not improved significantly, with just 466 minutes and two goals recorded.
It may be tempting to accept offers of £10 million or more, but many would prefer to see Chiesa given another six to twelve months to prove himself. His preparations for the upcoming season were hindered by his previous situation at the Allianz Stadium, but a proper pre-season could help him perform better when competitive matches resume in August.
Additionally, with Mo Salah likely to miss some games due to Egypt’s participation in the Africa Cup of Nations, FSG should consider Chiesa’s potential contributions before making any final decisions about his future at Anfield.
