Anfield fan favorite set for a shock return to Europe; Liverpool open to sale

Last Updated on 14 January 2026

The Premier League champions have not been very active in the January transfer window after a record-breaking summer. However, reports from Italy suggest the Reds could move a fan-favorite on before the end of the month.

Despite a number of long-term injuries, Liverpool are not expected to make an emergency signing. They decided not to rival Manchester City for Antoine Semenyo and a move for Marc Guehi seems to be on the back-burner, as well.

But if a move for an Anfield cult-hero materializes, there could be significant pressure of Richard Hughes to bring in a replacement…

Juventus seriously “interested” in bringing Federico Chiesa back from Liverpool

According to reports from Gazzetta dello Sport, Federico Chiesa is willing to take a significant wage cut to facilitate a return to Juventus.

Chiesa arrived on Merseyside in 2024 for a cut-price £12.5 million deal. But his time at Anfield has been plagued by frustration. Persistent injury problems have restricted the 28-year-old to just 35 appearances in all competitions, with only eight starts.

Rumours of an exit have followed Chiesa almost since his arrival. Liverpool resisted interest in the summer, but with talks reportedly ongoing throughout January, the situation appears to have shifted.

The Reds are understood to be holding out for a fee close to what they paid. Juventus, on the other hand, are exploring structures that could include a higher loan fee and an obligation to buy.

Juventus boss Luciano Spalletti was careful not to inflame speculation, but his admiration of Chiesa was clear.

“He was in my team at the time (with Italy). It was a compliment I wanted to give him. Chiesa is a player of big numbers, who beats his man and creates chaos. The quality is very high, but I will only say this because he’s with another team now and he’s no longer ours.”

Liverpool facing an attacking shortage if Chiesa leaves as January decisions loom

If Chiesa does depart, Liverpool could find themselves dangerously short in attack at a critical point of the season. Despite a growing injury list, the champions have so far resisted making an emergency signing, opting not to rival Manchester City for Antoine Semenyo.

That restraint may soon come under scrutiny. Chiesa’s exit would remove a versatile forward option capable of operating across the front line. The pressure would inevitably fall on sporting director Richard Hughes.

A late January exit for a fan favourite would not be a shock for supporters. But not replacing Chiesa could be the difference between silverware and an unsuccessful campaign.