In a surprising turn of events, Napoli are preparing to make an offer for Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa. The Italian international, who has struggled to find his footing at Anfield, could be set for a return to Serie A on a six-month loan deal.
Chiesa’s time at Liverpool has been marred by limited appearances and fitness issues. Since his summer move from Juventus, the 27-year-old winger has featured in just four matches across all competitions, totaling a mere 123 minutes on the pitch. This lack of playing time has raised concerns about his form and readiness for the upcoming European Championship.
Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, recently addressed Chiesa’s situation, emphasizing the delicate balance between improving the player’s match fitness and integrating him into the team. However, Chiesa’s absence from recent matchday squads has fueled speculation about his future.
According to reports from Footmercato, Chiesa’s agent, Fali Ramadani, met with Liverpool officials last week to discuss the player’s situation. The meeting resulted in an agreement to allow Chiesa to leave on loan, with the intention of him returning to Anfield in the summer to continue his Liverpool career.
Following this development, Ramadani swiftly engaged in talks with Napoli’s leadership, including discussions with manager Antonio Conte and club president Aurelio De Laurentiis. Conte has reportedly given his approval for Chiesa’s arrival and is actively pushing for the transfer behind the scenes.
Napoli’s interest in Chiesa aligns with the player’s desire to return to Italy, a move encouraged by national team coach Luciano Spalletti. The Partenopei are now expected to submit a formal loan offer to Liverpool in the coming days.
However, the potential deal faces some hurdles. Chiesa’s substantial wages, reported to be around 7.5 million euros net per season, present a significant challenge. For the loan to materialize, Liverpool may need to subsidize a portion of Chiesa’s salary.
Additionally, Napoli is keen on including an option to buy in the loan agreement, a clause that Liverpool is hesitant to accept. The English club may be reluctant to lose Chiesa permanently, especially if he rediscovers his form during the loan spell.
As negotiations continue, both clubs will need to find common ground on the salary arrangement and the potential inclusion of a purchase option. Liverpool might be persuaded to include a buy clause if it significantly exceeds the 13 million euros they paid for Chiesa last summer, ensuring a potential profit.
