Federico Chiesa scored for Liverpool in a 4-2 friendly win over Sunderland on Saturday – and then called for a “new chapter” under new head coach Andoni Iraola. “Maybe there have been too many fresh starts,” the Italian forward said after the match, reflecting on two seasons at Anfield where he started just one Premier League game. “This year, let us say it is a new chapter.”
The 28-year-old, who joined from Juventus for £12.5m in 2024 and is contracted until 2028, has scored five times in 50 appearances across all competitions. In June he told La Gazzetta dello Sport: “If I don't find consistency in the Premier League, I'll have to look elsewhere.” But now, under Iraola – appointed after Arne Slot's dismissal – he insists he is “thinking about Liverpool”, though he acknowledged previous frustrations. “Last year, I felt ready for a bigger role, then it depended on the coach whether he wanted me to play or not. It is what it is.”
“Federico Chiesa wants a fresh start under Iraola as Liverpool pursue £145m Barcola to replace Salah.”
His desire for more game time comes as Liverpool search for a replacement for Mohamed Salah, who left the club this summer after nine years, scoring 257 goals and providing 123 assists in 442 appearances. The Reds’ shortlist is topped by PSG forward Bradley Barcola, with the French club demanding £145m for the 23-year-old. French outlet L'Equipe reported that Barcola has given a “verbal agreement” to join Liverpool, but PSG are determined to secure a big fee.
Meanwhile, Salah’s search for a new club has stalled after talks with Turkish side Besiktas broke down. Sporting director Onder Ozen told local media: “We contacted Salah… Up to this point, everything was smooth. When the financial side began, the initial smoothness slowed down from July 21st onwards.” Ozen added: “They said they are also in talks with another club, maybe they will get a result from there. Besiktas will not make another offer.” Salah remains a free agent.
For Chiesa, the arrival of a new winger would add further competition to Liverpool’s attack. “I am doing the best I can to have a chance here,” he said. “Right now, at the moment, I am happy here at Liverpool. I love the club, I love the fans, I love everything.”