Iraola eyes January exit for Chiesa as Reds chase €15m fee

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has confirmed he is ready to sell winger Federico Chiesa in the January transfer window, with the club targeting a minimum of €15 million for the player. The Italian international arrived at Anfield in the summer of 2024 and has logged 50 appearances, scoring five goals and providing five assists.

Surplus to requirements

Chiesa has struggled to cement a place in the Reds’ line‑up, making only two Premier League starts in two seasons and missing the start of the current campaign with a small muscle injury. Competition from recent arrivals Bradley Barcola and Victor Muñoz, combined with the emergence of Lewis Koumas, has pushed him further down the pecking order. The winger has not featured under Iraola this season, and his injury record has added to doubts about his future role.

Financial and contractual picture

The fee for the Italian has been reported at £10 million up front with £2.5 million in add‑ons, or alternatively at £12.5 million, reflecting a discrepancy between sources. Chiesa signed a contract that runs until the summer of 2028, leaving roughly 18 months on his deal, and earns around €7 million net per season. Liverpool’s aim of at least €15 million comes as the club seeks to recoup a bargain signing that originally cost the Reds £10 million plus add‑ons.

Player’s own stance and future hopes

According to an Italian news outlet, Chiesa, who will turn 29 on 25 October, told reporters he will “pack his bags in January” if he cannot find a spot in the Reds’ shirt. He added that regular playing time is essential to regain his place in the Italy national team, after rejecting a move to Gattuso’s side and hoping for a return under Roberto Mancini.

Italian clubs Napoli and Inter have been linked with the winger, and the same report highlighted his desire to leave the club before the winter market opens.

Jack Lusby, writing on X, noted that Chiesa has resumed parts of training at the AXA this week but is now behind Koumas in Iraola’s thoughts. He suggested the winger’s chances of featuring against Manchester City after the international break remain slim.

Former player Jamie Carragher warned that Chiesa and fellow squad member Wataru Endo are unlikely to feature much this season, describing them as “players who are never going to play”. He also argued that Endo should have been moved on.

With the January window looming, the consensus among the reports is that Chiesa will be put on the market, and Liverpool appear prepared to accept a substantial loss if a buyer meets the €15 million target.