EXCLUSIVE: How homesick Federico Chiesa struggles behind the scenes at Liverpool

Liverpool added only one player during the summer transfer window.

Winger Federico Chiesa was signed from Juventus for a fee that could eventually reach £12 million. However it’s fair to say things haven’t worked out thus far for the 27-year-old.

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The Italy winger has played only FOUR times for Liverpool, appearing for a total of only 18 minutes in the Premier League. He was absent from the matchday squad last Sunday as a Mo Salah-inspired Liverpool ran riot over West Ham at the London Stadium.

Chiesa was supposed to be a Salah replacement this season, allowing the Egyptian time to rest and recuperate but it hasn’t worked out like that. Instead, it’s been left to Salah to carry the goalscoring and creative burden for Arne Slot’s side, reaching 20 goals and 17 assists in only 26 matches thus far.

Chiesa tipped for Serie A return

It’s been speculated that Chiesa could end up back in Serie A before the end of January, either on a six-month loan or else with a view to a permanent move.

The likes of Inter Milan, AC Milan, Napoli, Roma, Atalanta and Fiorentina have all been credited with interest in the 2020 European Championship winner, who desperately needs game time in order to increase his match fitness and confidence.

However, salary is proving to be a sticking point for those interested Serie A sides with it believed that Liverpool would have to continue to pick up a significant chunk of Chiesa's wages if he leaves.

What Arne Slot thinks about Chiesa

Things aren’t working out for him on Merseyside and Anfield Watch can reveal the depths of Chiesa’s struggles. It’s understood that the player remains homesick, dislikes the weather and is struggling with the physicality of English football, as hinted at by Arne Slot a couple of months ago.

More alarmingly, it’s understood that Chiesa has not impressed with his application and mentality.

Chiesa has been given chances to save his Liverpool career by Slot, who despite his lack of sharpness has included him in matchday squads where possible.

But Chiesa hasn’t taken those chances and has even found himself playing with the under-21s in the Premier League International Cup.

The ex-Fiorentina man has got a long way to go before rescuing his Liverpool career but right now it looks set for a premature end despite a lengthy contract until 2027.

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