Iraola indicates that Chiesa remains out of Liverpool's plans for
According to Sports.
Context
Federico Chiesa, who joined Liverpool in 2024, has struggled to establish himself as a starter in the Premier League. Despite an increase in appearances last season, his numbers were not enough to secure a permanent place in the team. The arrival of a new winger could further limit his opportunities at Anfield.
Why this matters
Liverpool's search for a new winger highlights the difficulties Federico Chiesa has faced since arriving at Anfield. With the departure of Mohamed Salah, many expected Chiesa to have more opportunities, but Iraola's intention to reinforce the wings suggests that the Italian could continue to fight for minutes in the Premier League. The situation is crucial for the season, as the effectiveness of the attack can directly impact the team's performance in the league.
Main conclusions
- Iraola indicates that Chiesa remains out of Liverpool's plans.
- Andoni Iraola reinforced his intention to sign a winger for Liverpool in 2026/27, leaving Federico Chiesa again in a delicate position.
- Iraloa hints Chiesa is still not part of Liverpool plans heading into 2026-27.
Andoni Iraola left a clear message about Liverpool's priorities for the summer market. At the start of his first season at Anfield, the Spanish coach assumed that the team needs to reinforce the wings, a message that does not bode well for Federico Chiesa in 2026/27.
The Italian international, who arrived on Merseyside in the summer of 2024 from Juventus for 15 million euros, never managed to establish himself permanently in red. In his debut season in England he was only used in six Premier League games, five of them as a substitute. In 2025/26, the winger gained more space and played 26 games in the league, but finished with just two goals and one assist, numbers that were not enough to consolidate his starting status.
Given this history, and despite the departure of Mohamed Salah, which opens, in theory, a significant vacancy in the attack, Iraola confirmed that the sporting management continues to be in the market for a new top-tier winger. At a pre-season press conference held on Wednesday, the coach was adamant: "There are obvious situations where we know we need to sign players. A winger, for example – we definitely need to sign a winger."
Iraola also added that the other decisions will depend on several factors, namely the evolution of the market and the physical state of members of the squad: "There are other situations that we will have to analyze – what the market offers, the costs and also how we see the players we have. We have complicated positions, with injured players who we trust, but it is not the ideal situation. It will depend on many things."
This positioning keeps Chiesa at a crossroads. Despite having played more regularly last season, the former Juventus player did not impose himself as a first-choice option and now sees the club looking for direct competition for his place. For Liverpool, the goal is to guarantee depth and immediate impact in the lanes, in a year of technical and tactical transition under Iraola.
With no indication of an immediate change in status, Chiesa's near future at Anfield remains shrouded in uncertainty. The Italian will have to convince at the start of the season and in pre-season work, while the Reds intensify their search for a reinforcement who will immediately respond to the demands of the wings in 2026/27.
What happens next
With the transfer window approaching, Liverpool should intensify their search for a quality winger. Iraola's decision to prioritize this position could lead to a reevaluation of the squad, especially for Chiesa, who needs to assert himself to guarantee a place in the team. The way the market develops and the coach's choices will be decisive for the player's future and the team's dynamics next season.
Frequently asked questions
What is Federico Chiesa's current situation at Liverpool?
Federico Chiesa is not in Liverpool's plans for the 2026/27 season, as indicated by coach Andoni Iraola.
How many games and goals has Chiesa had in the Premier League so far?
In his first season, Chiesa played just six Premier League matches, while in the 2025/26 season he participated in 26 games, scoring two goals and making one assist.
How does Mohamed Salah's departure impact Chiesa?
Mohamed Salah's departure opens up a vacancy in attack, but Iraola confirmed that Liverpool are looking for a new winger, which further reduces opportunities for Chiesa.
What is Liverpool's priority in the summer market?
Liverpool's priority in the summer market is to sign a new top winger, as stated by Andoni Iraola.
When will Liverpool's next game be?
The article does not mention the date of Liverpool's next game.