Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa Eyed by Mourinho Amid Limited Playing Time
One Liverpool player who has struggled for consistent game time this season has now caught the attention of one of football’s most prominent managers.
Federico Chiesa’s early months at Anfield haven’t gone to plan. The Italian winger, hampered by a lack of a full pre-season, has struggled with fitness and hasn’t been able to secure a regular spot in Liverpool’s starting eleven.
Since January, the newly crowned Premier League champions have played 16 league games, while Chiesa has logged just 15 minutes of top-flight action — a stark indication of his current role in the squad.
Mourinho Wants Chiesa at Fenerbahce
Reports out of Turkey suggest Jose Mourinho is eager to bring Chiesa to Fenerbahce. According to A Spor, the Portuguese manager has asked the club’s hierarchy to pursue a move for Liverpool’s No. 14 this summer as he looks to bolster his wide attacking options at the Şükrü Saracoğlu Stadium.
Is Mourinho the Right Fit for Chiesa?
While new Liverpool boss Arne Slot may have initially limited Chiesa’s minutes due to fitness concerns, it’s unclear why the Italian has barely featured in recent weeks, especially after scoring in the Carabao Cup final in March.
Although Slot has publicly supported Chiesa, Mourinho is known for his less forgiving approach to underperforming players — as seen with the likes of Loftus-Cheek, Luke Shaw, Anthony Martial, and Dele Alli.
Chiesa, dubbed a “top-level talent” by ITV’s Seb Hutchinson after scoring in an FA Cup win in January, hasn’t had the breakthrough many hoped for. If he does depart Liverpool this summer — something many fans hope won’t happen — Fenerbahce may not be the ideal destination, given Mourinho’s demanding style.
If the 27-year-old is low on confidence, joining Mourinho’s setup might not help restore it — akin to looking for a beach in a landlocked country.
Hopefully, Chiesa will get the one more Premier League appearance needed to earn a winner’s medal and can bounce back stronger next season after a challenging debut campaign on Merseyside.