Liverpool's Unexpected January Plans for Federico Chiesa Amid Mo Salah Uncertainty

Liverpool's shocking signing of Federico Chiesa from Juventus for just £12.5m this summer has taken a twist, with speculation emerging about a potential return to Italy. With Chiesa’s fitness struggles limiting him to only 18 minutes of Premier League action this season, the Reds are now contemplating their options for the future, including potential replacements for star player Mo Salah.

Recent Italian reports suggested that Liverpool might consider loaning Chiesa back to Serie A to give him vital playing time in the second half of the season. Clubs like Inter Milan and Roma are rumored to be interested. However, inside sources have indicated that these claims may not hold water. It appears that Chiesa's departure on loan in January is "improbable," as he remains committed to finding his footing at Anfield.

Salah’s contract is set to expire at the end of this season, making a summer departure appear quite likely. The Egyptian international is already catching the attention of several European clubs, particularly in the Saudi Pro League, and can negotiate a pre-contract agreement starting January 1, just weeks away.

In anticipation of Salah's potential exit, Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes is on the hunt for his future successor. Among the top candidates to replace Salah are Takefusa Kubo from Real Sociedad, Karim Adeyemi of Borussia Dortmund, and Leroy Sane from Bayern Munich. It’s clear that Liverpool are planning for a substantial change in their wing options but are not expected to make any immediate moves in January.

As for Chiesa, who has impressed in past seasons before suffering a serious ACL injury in January 2022, he is eager to establish himself as a primary option in the starting lineup and prove that he can fill the substantial void left by Salah when needed. Recent performances have made it clear that Chiesa’s pre-injury form is not out of reach, and his determination to excel at Liverpool remains strong.

Meanwhile, concerns at Anfield extend beyond Chiesa. There are growing fears regarding Trent Alexander-Arnold's future with the club, as Real Madrid has reportedly increased their interest in the attacking right-back. As the clock ticks towards January, Liverpool is under pressure to secure Alexander-Arnold’s future, having already submitted a “big” new contract offer that may not be enough to keep him from moving to Spain.

In addition, Liverpool continues to explore their midfield options, with Benfica's Orkun Kokcu emerging as a potential target. Having previously worked with Liverpool's coach Arne Slot at Feyenoord, Kokcu could provide a seamless transition into the squad for a reported fee of around €50 million (£41.7m / $54m), making him a more economical choice than other summer targets.

As the January transfer window approaches, it’s clear that Liverpool has a plan in place, but the pressure is on players and management alike to adapt and reinforce the squad amid uncertain futures for key players. Stay tuned as Liverpool navigates these critical decisions in the coming months!