Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has cast fresh doubt over Federico Chiesa’s future by confirming the club will recruit another winger before the 2026-27 season kicks off.
Chiesa, who swapped Juventus for Merseyside in a €15 million deal in 2024, has endured a frustrating two-year spell at Anfield. Despite the recent departure of Mohamed Salah freeing up a wide position, Iraola’s comments suggest the Italy international remains outside the new manager’s core plans.
Iraola identifies winger as priority
Speaking during a pre-season press conference on Wednesday, Iraola outlined his squad requirements ahead of his first campaign in charge. The Spaniard replaced Arne Slot this summer and has immediately targeted reinforcements on the flanks.
“There are obvious situations that we know where we need to sign players,” Iraola stated. “A winger, for example – we definitely need to sign a winger.”
The admission offers little solace to Chiesa, who managed only six Premier League appearances during his debut season (2024-25), with five of those coming off the bench. His second year brought increased involvement—26 league appearances—but just two goals and one assist, leaving him well short of regular starter status.
From Juventus exit to Anfield periphery
Chiesa initially joined Liverpool with twelve months remaining on his Juventus contract, seeking a fresh start after being forced away from Turin. However, the move has failed to revive his fortunes. Even the exit of talisman Salah has not elevated Chiesa in the selection hierarchy, with Iraola now actively seeking alternatives.
The manager acknowledged that recruitment would depend on market availability and cost, but his stance on the winger position appears firm. “There are other situations that we will have to analyse what the market gives you, what’s the cost, how we also see the players we have,” he said. “We have some tricky positions where we have injured players that we trust but is still not the ideal situation.”
With the new season approaching, Chiesa faces an uncertain period. The forward must either convince Iraola he can fill the void or consider his options elsewhere, two years after leaving Juventus with twelve months remaining on his contract for a Premier League opportunity that has yet to materialise.