Liverpool transfers: Federico Chiesa future takes twist as bombshell statement released

Federico Chiesa has been linked with a return to Italy after only one season at Liverpool, and could soon see links ramp up after a bombshell statement from a former rival back in homeland

Federico Chiesa is rumoured to be considering a move back to Italy before the summer transfer window closes. A surprising transfer request has emerged from the Liverpool star’s homeland, which could have significant implications for the player’s future on Merseyside.

Liverpool acquired Chiesa, 27, from Juventus for £12.5m, marking Arne Slot’s only signing in his inaugural summer as head coach. He agreed to a four-year contract at Anfield, but his first year was marred by injuries and difficulty securing regular Premier League playtime.

As a result, the Italian international concluded the season with just one league start, a 3-2 loss to Brighton after the title had already been secured, 14 total appearances, 466 minutes of playtime, and a mere two goals scored.

Chiesa has since participated in the summer 2025 pre-season matches against Preston North End and Stoke City, the latter being a closed-door event, before it was announced that he would not be joining Liverpool’s tour of the Far East.

This was officially attributed to a new, minor injury issue requiring evaluation, but during the weeks the Reds were away, this situation only served to stoke further transfer exit rumours, reports the Liverpool Echo.

One such rumour that surfaced from Italy in late July suggested interest from Atalanta. Sportitalia reported that the Serie A team are willing to pay €12m (£10.4m) with Liverpool covering 50 percent of his salary.

However, the deal can only proceed after Atalanta’s sale of Ademola Lookman, with the club hoping to secure £43.6m (€50m) from Inter Milan for the ex-Everton star. Yet, talks have stalled, with Gazzetta dello Sport among several sources reporting a rejected £39.2m (€45m) offer.

Lookman has now dropped a bombshell, accusing his club of blocking a transfer and confirming he has submitted a formal transfer request. On X, he penned: “Over the past three years at Atalanta, I’ve given absolutely everything. Not just as a footballer, but as a person.

“I’ve always worn the shirt with pride and tried to represent this club and the city of Bergamo with heart, passion and dedication. I came here with the hope of helping this special club grow and together, we’ve created memories that will stay with me forever.

“Winning the Europa League and standing shoulder to shoulder with my teammates that night in Dublin celebrating with our fans was one of the proudest moments of my career so far. It still gives me goosebumps thinking about it.

“Atalanta, and especially its supporters, have become a part of me. This place has felt like home from the moment I arrived, and I’ve always tried to repay that love – even in moments where things haven’t been easy behind the scenes.

“That’s what makes writing this so hard. I have loved every moment but feel that now, after three wonderful years in Bergamo, it is the right time to move on and experience a new adventure. There have been numerous clubs approach Atalanta in the past and I have previously always stayed loyal.

“However, myself and the ownership of the club have been in agreement that now is the right time and the club were clear with me that if a fair offer came in they would allow me to move. Despite now receiving an offer in alignment to what I believe had been discussed sadly the club are blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand.

“As a result and after many months of broken promises and what I feel has been poor treatment towards me as both a human being and as a professional footballer, sadly I feel I have no choice but to speak out for what I believe is right and feel that enough is enough. I can confirm I have now handed in a formal transfer request.

“Even throughout the extremely difficult moments I’ve endured, many of which have remained private and confidential, I have always tried to put the club, the fans and the team first and hoped it would not get to this, but I unfortunately feel there is now little choice.

“To the fans – the heartbeat of this club – I want to say this: I’m truly sorry it’s come to this. I hope you can understand this incredibly difficult situation. It’s simply about standing up for what I believe is fair and right. The support you have always given me has been incredible and the bond we have created together is special.

“I hope to work together with the club to find an amicable solution for all parties as soon as possible. With love and gratitude, Ademola.” It remains to be seen whether this development will affect Lookman’s potential departure from Atalanta, as the Italian side could either stand firm or buckle under pressure to offload their unsettled star.

Liverpool may well be keeping tabs on the situation should Chiesa become the target of La Dea’s attention as they hunt for a replacement. After last season concluded, Chiesa himself confessed he was content to remain at Anfield.

Nevertheless, he also acknowledged his interest in potentially returning to Serie A. Discussing transfers, he said: “That’s something to think about during the summer. My family, my agent and I have a great relationship with Liverpool, and the goal is to be ready for the pre-season. We’ll find the best solution for everyone.

“I work every day with a Liverpool programme to be in top shape for the tests on July 8. While out of the squad (at Juventus), I was able to train in great condition, but I missed playing friendlies. I had to start from scratch at Liverpool and that held me back.

“I hope (next season) it’s my season, my dream is to participate in the World Cup. I played and won a European Championship, the World Cup would be the best.”

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