1 week ago
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Liverpool star Federico Chiesa is reportedly being linked with a move back to Italy before the summer transfer window shuts. And now a surprising statement has emerged from his native country that could have implications for the player's future on Merseyside.
Chiesa, 27, was signed by the Reds from Juventus, marking Arne Slot's only acquisition in his inaugural summer as head coach. He agreed to a four-year contract at Anfield, which initially saw him struggle with injuries and securing regular Premier League playing time.
As a consequence, the Italian international concluded the season with just one league start in the 3-2 loss to Brighton after the title had already been secured, making a total of 14 appearances equating to 466 minutes on the pitch, and scoring only two goals.
Since then, Chiesa has 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 be noticeably absent from Liverpool's tour of the Far East.
This absence was officially attributed to a new, minor issue requiring evaluation, but during the weeks the Reds were away, this situation only served to stoke further speculation about a potential departure.
One such rumour that surfaced from Italy in late July suggested interest from Atalanta. SportItalia reported that the Serie A club are willing to offer $14M (£10.4m), with Liverpool covering 50 percent of his wages.
But the deal would only be able to take place following the club's sale of Ademola Lookman as it was hoping to fetch $58M (£43.6m) from Inter Milan for the former Everton star. Ultimately, negotiations have become protracted on that front with Gazzetta dello Sport amongst multiple sources to report a $52M (£39.2m) offer had been rejected.
Now Lookman has come out with a bombshell statement accusing his club of blocking a move, for which he has now made a formal transfer request.
On X he wrote: "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 what influence this will have on Lookman's departure from Atalanta, whether they will stand firm or feel compelled to sell their unsettled star. Consequently, Liverpool could be monitoring developments if Chiesa does indeed become the target of La Dea's attention as they seek a replacement.
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