Home Liverpool Liverpool could lose "top-level talent" in January By Rebekka Arnold Posted on 16 September 2025, 11:08

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 remains a mystery at Anfield why Slot does not favour the Italian for more minutes, and his omission from the Champions League squad has only fuelled speculation over his future.

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.

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