“Federico Chiesa available for a new position at Liverpool.”

Federico Chiesa has expressed complete dedication to Liverpool, dismissing transfer rumors and anticipating a “new beginning” under the management of Andoni Iraola, even if it means playing in an unfamiliar position. The Italian player, who was signed in 2024 by Arne Slot, has had limited playing time, with only nine starts in 50 matches, and just one-third of these games were played in the Premier League or the Champions League.

Despite speculation about a return to Italy, Chiesa has shown determination to fight for his place in the Liverpool squad, expressing dissatisfaction with his limited involvement in the previous season. After a 4-2 victory over Sunderland in a friendly match in Nashville, Chiesa stated: “The only conversations I had [with Iraola] were about pressure and tactics. I don’t know [about the future], it’s hard to say. It’s always a new beginning at the start of the year. Perhaps there have been too many new beginnings. But I don’t mind, I’m trying to give my best for this new coach. Last season, under Arne Slot, I was trying to give my best.”

Chiesa, who usually plays as a winger, took on the role of a lone striker in the second half of Iraola's first game as Liverpool manager, where he scored a goal and contributed to Lewis Koumas's goal. The Italian international revealed that Iraola sees him as an option for the number 9 position in the future: “He put me [to play] as a striker today and wants me to stay there. I’ve played my whole career as a winger, but I’m happy to play as a striker too.”

The need for Chiesa at Liverpool is more evident than ever. The team faced serious difficulties in terms of attacking options last season, and the situation has worsened with the departure of Mohamed Salah and the serious injury to Hugo Ekitiké, who could be sidelined until 2027 after an Achilles tendon rupture. Liverpool has signed World Cup winner Víctor Muñoz to help fill this gap, but the 23-year-old will require time to adapt to a new division and style of play.

Currently, Liverpool's forward line consists only of Chiesa, Cody Gakpo, Rio Ngumoha, and Alexander Isak, with Isak being the only natural striker available. Converting Chiesa into a hardworking, high-pressing forward could be crucial, especially considering Isak's injury history and erratic form. This positional shift would allow Liverpool to save resources in the transfer market while striving to strengthen other areas of the squad.

With expectations that Liverpool will sign another winger in this transfer window, Chiesa may alleviate the need to look for a new forward if he can establish a consistent rhythm under Iraola's guidance.