MX23RW : Friday, January 3 14:32:10| >> :60:637:637:

Liverpool transfer update: January window departure mooted as Arne Slot could lose winger

Liverpool forward set to leave? Why Reds fans could be seeing the last of winger
© Imago
Liverpool could reportedly lose one of their forwards in January because they are homesick, struggling physically and are not applying themselves adequately behind the scenes.

Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa is rumoured to be unhappy on Merseyside and could seek an exit back to Italy due to being homesick.

The Reds have been prolific in front of goal this season having scored 45 goals in the Premier League this term, with Mohamed Salah scoring 17 times and providing 13 assists in 18 league games.

His remarkable season has fired Arne Slot's side to the top of the table, but the Egyptian's record-breaking campaign has perhaps overshadowed the good form of the likes of Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo.

The pair have found the back of the net 12 and 11 times respectively in all competitions, and they seem to have finally settled at Anfield after struggling for consistency under previous boss Jurgen Klopp.

However, summer signing Chiesa has only played 19 minutes in the Premier League and AnfieldWatch now report that the attacker is homesick, struggling with the physicality of English football and dislikes the weather, but more alarmingly say that he has not displayed the right mentality or application behind the scenes.

Liverpool's Federico Chiesa pictured on September 25, 2024© Imago

Is Federico Chiesa another Arthur Melo?

Liverpool signed midfielder Arthur Melo on loan from Italian side Juventus in September 2022, with the Reds looking to reinforce an ageing engine room.

Arthur had been made to train alone by his parent club Juventus prior to his move to Anfield, and his poor physical condition limited his impact given he played for just 13 minutes in the entirety of the 2022-23 season.

Though Chiesa has already surpassed Arthur's minute total, there is concern that the 27-year-old will not be able to contribute significantly to Liverpool's campaign, and this could place extra burden on Salah to keep producing in front of goal without rest.

Moves back to Italian clubs such as AC Milan, Roma and Napoli in January have been mooted, though perhaps a loan deal would be best for all involved as it would allow Slot to utilise him at his full potential next term.

It should also be noted that Chiesa is not the first Liverpool player to have taken time to acclimatise to new surroundings, with defensive midfielder Fabinho making just one start in his side's first nine league games of 2018-19.

Liverpool's Federico Chiesa pictured on September 21, 2024© Imago

Do Liverpool have problems in attack?

Though Slot's team have not been perfect this season, they have only failed to win four fixtures in all competitions and have lost just once in 2024-25.

However, Salah picked up a hamstring injury in the second half of last season, and it remains to be seen if the club would be able to cope without arguably the world's best player.

While Gakpo and Diaz deserve plenty of praise for their performances, the latter is playing in a relatively unfamiliar central position in attack, and the former has not yet proven he can consistently produce from the left of a front three.

Despite Diogo Jota's ruthlessness in the box being unquestionable, the Portuguese is somewhat injury prone, while Darwin Nunez is seemingly out of favour with Slot.

Liverpool look unstoppable at the moment, but they would certainly benefit in the final stages of the season should Chiesa's fitness and attitude improve.

ID:561788:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect6079:
Written by
Lewis Nolan

Click here for more stories about Federico Chiesa

Click here for more stories about Liverpool

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool celebrates his goal against West Ham United, on December 29, 2024
Read Next:
Did Trent just hint at his future? Defender responds to rumours against West Ham
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool18143145172845
2Arsenal19116238172139
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest1911442619737
4Chelsea19105438231535
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle1995532211132
6Manchester CityMan City199463226631
7Bournemouth198652923630
8Fulham197842825329
9Aston Villa198562831-329
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton196942928127
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1973941281324
12Brentford197393335-224
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham196582335-1223
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd196492126-522
15Crystal Palace194872027-720
16Everton183871524-917
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1944113142-1116
18Ipswich TownIpswich1936101833-1515
19Leicester CityLeicester1935112242-2014
20Southampton1913151239-276


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!