Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho has reportedly set his sights on Liverpool attacker Federico Chiesa, requesting the Turkish club’s board to pursue the Italian international’s signature this summer according to A Spor.
This is according to a report from Turkey, suggesting a potential lifeline for the Euro 2020 winner after a difficult first season at Anfield.
Chiesa, 27, has struggled to make an impact for the Premier League giants, making just 12 appearances across all competitions and contributing two goals and two assists.
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A combination of injury setbacks and the stellar form of Mohamed Salah has limited Chiesa’s opportunities, with the former Juventus and Fiorentina winger accumulating a mere 33 minutes of Premier League action in the 2024-25 campaign.
Despite Liverpool only securing Chiesa’s services for a reported total package of £12.5 million last summer, the Merseyside club are said to be seeking a fee in the region of €25 million (£21.4 million) to €30 million (£25.7 million) for his departure.
Unsurprisingly, a return to Serie A has been touted as a possibility for the Italian international.
However, a new avenue of escape could be emerging from Turkey. Fotomac, as relayed by Aspor, claims that Chiesa could be the next high-profile signing for Mourinho’s Fenerbahce.
The Portuguese manager is reported to have personally urged the Fenerbahce hierarchy to make a move for the winger, and the Turkish giants are now expected to “roll up their sleeves” to try and fulfill Mourinho’s request.
The report further indicates that Fenerbahce are poised to make contact with Liverpool imminently to formally register their interest in Chiesa.
They are expected to “knock” on the Reds’ door to initiate discussions regarding a potential transfer.
Chiesa’s current contract at Anfield runs until the summer of 2028. However, following Mohamed Salah’s recent two-year contract extension, Chiesa’s prospects for increased playing time next season appear slim.
Liverpool also have the versatile Harvey Elliott capable of filling in for Salah on the right flank, suggesting the Premier League leaders may be open to selling Chiesa if their valuation is met this summer.
Interestingly, while Elliott is considered a viable backup for Salah, the England Under-21 international’s own future has been the subject of some speculation due to his lack of Premier League starts this season.
Nevertheless, current Liverpool boss Arne Slot is reportedly counting on Elliott for the 2025-26 campaign.
Looking ahead for Liverpool, while a move for Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid seems increasingly likely, the club could actively look to offload fringe midfielders Wataru Endo and Tyler Morton.
Joe Gomez’s situation is also being monitored. However, the most intriguing area for potential upheaval appears to be in attack, where only Salah and Cody Gakpo are seemingly guaranteed to stay.
The futures of Chiesa, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota, and Luis Diaz could all be subject to offers deemed acceptable by the club.
