Liverpool have made a possible U-turn on Chiesa transfer as the club contemplates his future. Meanwhile a former Red and current pundit has demanded Cody Gakpo to ‘show more’ on the pitch.
Joining in 2024, Chiesa’s transfer to Liverpool was an attempt to reignite his career. However, the 27-year old made just six Premier League appearances as Liverpool went on to win the title.
Initially linked with an Anfield exit, Chiesa survived the summer window to remain at the Merseyside club. Reports indicated Slot was willing to accept an offer as low as £10m for the Italian.
But with the January transfer window fast approaching, the Reds seem to have made a decision.
Quiz: Can you name these 10 Liverpool players from the 2000s?
Chiesa transfer U-turn by Liverpool
Federico Chiesa may remain a Red for a longer time spell (Credits: Imago Images)
Originally believed to be on his way out for regular game time, sources say the attacker is now set to stay at the club for a longer spell.
Scoring twice in the league, the former Juventus man has mostly come off the bench. His sole start this season has come in the Carabao Cup win against Southampton where he assisted both goals.
Chiesa has four goal contributions this season, despite getting just 153 minutes on the pitch in total. This is more than what Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak combined have contributed.
If the two much hyped players continue to underperform, Chiesa will see more game time in the future.
Gakpo needs to ‘show more’ on the pitch
Former Red Emile Heskey believes Cody Gakpo needs to be more assertive on the pitch. Speaking to Pundit Arena, the FA Cup winner demanded to see ‘more’ from the Dutchman, “I think Gakpo needs to come into his own.”
“I think he’s got to show a little bit more, especially on that left wing. He needs to show a little bit more for me. I was hoping he could be the one that would be stepping into that void that Luis Diaz has left. I don’t think they regret selling Diaz though, business is business.”, he added.
Heskey also gave a special mention to Rio Ngumoha. The youngster was recently earmarked for excellence by none other than Lionel Messi.
“But then you’ve got the young lad, Rio Ngumoha as back-up. You could play Ekitike out there as well. I did like Diaz because when he played up front, he gave you something different because he was drifting as well – that’s what Ekitike gives you.”, explaining the difference in styles.
“But then on the left, I love the way he drove up at defenders, we’ve got very few wingers that do that now, drive at defenders, especially on the outside.”, he concluded.
