The January window often produces stories of revival, and Federico Chiesa’s situation is becoming one of the more emotional examples.
Brought in with major expectations in the summer of 2024, the Italian winger’s spell at Liverpool has been hampered by injuries and a lack of consistent game time, leaving him on the periphery as Arne Slot’s team compete for honours on several fronts.
With the 2026 World Cup approaching, Chiesa is now pushing hard for a return to Juventus. Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the 28-year-old has even offered to significantly reduce his €6 million yearly wages, around £120,000 a week, to help facilitate a move back to Turin.
Italian media have described this as a meaningful and far-from-routine gesture, highlighting how keen he is to secure regular football under Thiago Motta.
Liverpool, however, have not softened their position. The reigning Premier League champions want a full transfer in order to recover much of the €12–15 million they paid Juventus a year and a half ago.
An initial proposal for a simple loan with a purchase option was quickly turned down, with The Athletic’s James Pearce explaining that Liverpool require both a credible permanent bid and a suitable replacement before allowing the winger to leave.
That firmness is driven by Liverpool’s current attacking problems. Alexander Isak is sidelined until at least March with a fractured fibula, Hugo Ekitike has only just returned from a hamstring setback, and Mohamed Salah’s involvement at AFCON further stretches the squad.
Under those circumstances, the club are unwilling to weaken their forward options without first bringing in cover.
