Atletico Madrid have Joined the Race to Sign £12.5m Liverpool Star – Report | OneFootball

Federico Chiesa Transfer Rumours Grow: Atletico Madrid Eye Opportunity Amid Liverpool Uncertainty

Federico Chiesa’s time at Liverpool has yet to truly begin in earnest, but it may already be nearing its end. The Italian winger arrived from Juventus last summer for a modest £12.5 million fee, a price that now looks like an investment that may never reach fruition on Merseyside.

Despite being part of Arne Slot’s Premier League-winning squad, Chiesa has struggled to break into the first team. Making just 14 appearances across all competitions — and only starting four times — the 27-year-old has found opportunities hard to come by. His own assessment of the season was telling, as he admitted it had been a “tough time”.

Slot has gone on record to insist that Chiesa “still has a future at Anfield”, but the situation may be out of his hands. Reports from Spain via AS now link the Italy international with a potential move to Atletico Madrid, where he is viewed as a “market opportunity”.

Photo: IMAGO

Atletico’s Interest Driven by Circumstance

Atletico’s interest appears to be driven not just by opportunism but also by necessity. Diego Simeone’s side are bracing for the possible departure of Ángel Correa. The Argentine forward posted a farewell message after the club’s 4–1 win over Real Betis, writing: “Today I lived my last home game in this shirt that I love so much.”

While the club later clarified that Correa is under contract until 2026 and remains part of Simeone’s plans, uncertainty lingers. AS reported that “if Correa leaves, Cholo’s team will have to strengthen up front,” with Chiesa one of three names on the shortlist alongside Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade and Wolves’ Fabio Silva.

According to the report, Atletico sporting director Carlos Bucero “is aware of the player’s situation” and “has his name on the table”. Whether that results in a permanent move or a loan agreement remains to be seen.

Fitness Programme and Tactical Misfit

Chiesa’s limited involvement this season wasn’t down to injury, but rather a bespoke fitness regime designed to gradually reintegrate him after years of physical setbacks. The Italian spent much of the campaign working on his conditioning, but struggled to impress in his cameos or on the training ground.

Photo: IMAGO

At a club where competition is fierce — particularly on the wings — Chiesa has fallen down the pecking order. Mohamed Salah remains undroppable when fit, and Jeremie Frimpong, capable of playing wide right, offers another dynamic option. With more attacking reinforcements expected this summer, Chiesa’s opportunities will be even further restricted.

Financial and Contractual Hurdles

Chiesa’s weekly wage of £120,000, part of a deal running until 2028, is also a potential sticking point for interested clubs. However, Liverpool may be willing to compromise if it facilitates his departure.

The option of a loan or a loan-to-buy structure could suit all parties, particularly if Liverpool want to keep the door open to a return — or simply increase his market value with more game time elsewhere.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

For Liverpool fans, the Chiesa situation is a bit of a conundrum. On one hand, you sympathise with a player who arrived with pedigree and potential, only to find himself sidelined in a title-winning season. On the other, you can’t ignore the fact that competition is ruthless at the top level — and Chiesa simply hasn’t done enough to make himself indispensable.

There’s a case to be made for giving him another pre-season to impress under Slot, especially if he’s finally at full fitness. The talent is there. Anyone who watched him shine for Italy at Euro 2020 knows what he can do when firing. But football doesn’t operate in hypotheticals. The reality is, Liverpool are aiming to stay at the top, and there’s no room for passengers.

If Atletico Madrid can offer a structure — and perhaps even a style of play — more suited to Chiesa, then a move makes sense. He might flourish under Simeone’s fast-breaking system. From a Liverpool perspective, it’s a shame we never got to see his best. But not every signing is a success, and with Salah and others ahead of him, the writing seems to be on the wall.

Let’s not forget, Arne Slot’s side just won the league. If that momentum is to continue, decisions need to be made with clarity and conviction. Chiesa’s future is one of them.