International manager says £12.5m Liverpool player has told him he’s not fully fit

When the dust finally settled on the 2025 summer transfer window, Liverpool supporters were left both exhilarated and apprehensive. A whirlwind of rumors, negotiations, and dramatic late developments culminated in the club landing marquee striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for a staggering £125 million fee. At the same time, though, other transfer pursuits—most notably the failed move for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi—left gaps that Arne Slot, Liverpool’s relatively new head coach, will have to address tactically and psychologically in the months ahead.

Amid these high-profile moves, one storyline may prove equally significant but has so far flown slightly under the radar: the status of Federico Chiesa, the Italian international forward. Purchased last year for around £12.5 million, Chiesa has not yet cemented a consistent starting role. With Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz leaving Anfield this summer, the pathway seemed to open for him. Yet, as Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso recently revealed in a press conference, Chiesa has admitted he Federico Chiesa’s Fitness, Liverpool’s Transfer Gamble, and Arne Slot’s Balancing Act

When the dust finally settled on the 2025 summer transfer window, Liverpool supporters were left both exhilarated and apprehensive. A whirlwind of rumors, negotiations, and dramatic late developments culminated in the club landing marquee striker Alexander Isak from Newcastle United for a staggering £125 million fee. At the same time, though, other transfer pursuits—most notably the failed move for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi—left gaps that Arne Slot, Liverpool’s relatively new head coach, will have to address tactically and psychologically in the months ahead.

Amid these high-profile moves, one storyline may prove equally significant but has so far flown slightly under the radar: the status of Federico Chiesa, the Italian international forward. Purchased last year for around £12.5 million, Chiesa has not yet cemented a consistent starting role. With Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz leaving Anfield this summer, the pathway seemed to open for him. Yet, as Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso recently revealed in a press conference, Chiesa has admitted he is not “100% fit.” That revelation throws an additional wrinkle into Liverpool’s already complex season planning.

This article explores the broader picture: Liverpool’s transfer dealings, Slot’s tactical reshaping of the squad, the fitness and role of Chiesa, the potential of teenage defender Giovanni Leoni, and the challenge of balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term planning.

1. A Summer of Upheaval at Anfield

Few clubs had as eventful a summer window as Liverpool. Coming off a Premier League title win in 2024–25, Slot’s team entered the off-season in a paradoxical position: champions, but clearly in need of reinforcement. The departures of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid and Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz to new ventures meant that Liverpool had lost both creativity and attacking depth.

The signing of Alexander Isak was an emphatic response. The Swedish striker, still only 25, had enjoyed prolific spells with both Real Sociedad and Newcastle, combining height, pace, and technical refinement. His arrival signals Slot’s intent to build an attack that blends fluidity with physical presence. Isak is not a like-for-like replacement for Núñez—he is calmer in front of goal, more efficient in movement, and arguably a more natural link player.

Yet, Liverpool’s pursuit of Marc Guehi revealed concerns about defensive stability. With Virgil van Dijk aging and Ibrahima Konaté entering the final year of his contract amid interest from Europe’s elite, the need for another reliable central defender was obvious. Palace’s inability to secure a replacement scuppered that deal, leaving Liverpool light in defensive cover. Instead, they will lean on internal solutions, which brings us to one of the most intriguing signings of the summer: Giovanni Leoni.

2. Giovanni Leoni: Italy’s Rising Star in England

At just 18, Giovanni Leoni represents both a gamble and an opportunity. Standing 6’4, the centre-back cut a commanding figure for Parma last season in Serie A. His mix of aerial dominance, positional intelligence, and calmness on the ball quickly drew attention from scouts across Europe. Liverpool moved decisively, offering both a long-term development plan and the chance to grow under Slot’s progressive coaching style.

Leoni’s signing, however, also sparked debate within Italy. Gattuso, now in charge of the Azzurri, voiced both admiration and mild concern about so many Italian players leaving Serie A at a young age. In comments relayed by journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Gattuso acknowledged Leoni’s talent but expressed a wish to see more Italians remain in their domestic league to strengthen the national competition.

For Liverpool, though, the move makes sense. If Guehi could not be secured, investing in a high-ceiling teenager was the next best option. Slot is known for nurturing young talent during his Feyenoord days, and Leoni could be gradually integrated into cup competitions before becoming a full Premier League regular.

The wider question is whether Liverpool’s fanbase, accustomed to immediate success, will allow that patience.

3. Federico Chiesa: A Talent at a Crossroads

The Chiesa situation is more delicate. When Liverpool signed him for just £12.5m, eyebrows were raised. The Italian had previously commanded fees closer to £40m when Juventus made him the centerpiece of their attack. Injuries, inconsistent form, and tactical misfits had gradually eroded his value, creating an opportunity for Liverpool to buy low.

The logic was clear: in a high-intensity system, Chiesa’s pace, directness, and ability to break defensive lines could be invaluable. Yet, his fitness has remained a recurring obstacle. As Gattuso revealed, the winger himself admitted he was not fully fit during Italy’s latest camp. That honesty is commendable, but it raises concerns about his ability to contribute across a grueling Premier League and Champions League schedule.

3.1 Opportunities After Sales

With Núñez and Díaz leaving, Chiesa now faces a rare window of opportunity. Liverpool’s senior attacking options are effectively limited to Isak, Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike, Diogo Jota, and Chiesa. That slim group means every fit forward will see significant minutes. But if Chiesa cannot stay healthy or rediscover his Juventus peak, he risks becoming a peripheral figure again.

3.2 Tactical Fit

Slot’s system emphasizes positional fluidity, quick ball circulation, and high pressing. Chiesa excels in direct dribbling and transitional moments but is less effective in slower possession phases where he must combine intricately. If Slot adapts the system to allow Chiesa freedom in one-on-one scenarios, the Italian could thrive. If not, he may find himself limited to cameo roles or Europa-style rotation starts.

4. Slot’s Challenge: Building Chemistry Quickly

The biggest challenge facing Liverpool is not just individual players’ form or fitness but the collective cohesion of a squad in flux. Losing long-term cornerstones like Alexander-Arnold and Díaz disrupts established patterns of play. Integrating Isak, Ekitike, and potentially Leoni requires time.

4.1 International Break as a Reset

With the transfer window now closed, Slot has at least the benefit of clarity. He knows the squad he has and can begin drilling his tactical principles without the distraction of ongoing negotiations. The international break offers both a chance to regroup and a risk: key players will scatter across the globe, returning with varying fitness levels and potential knocks.

4.2 Building Around Salah and Van Dijk

Despite the turnover, Liverpool still have two talismanic figures in Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. Both signed new deals last year, ensuring short-term stability. Salah remains the team’s primary goalscorer and creative outlet, while Van Dijk, though older, still organizes the defense with authority.

The key will be ensuring the next generation—Isak, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, and potentially Leoni—can gradually take leadership responsibility without overwhelming pressure.

5. The Broader Context: Italians Abroad and Gattuso’s Concerns

Gattuso’s comments about Chiesa and Leoni touched on a broader trend in Italian football: the increasing number of players leaving Serie A to develop abroad. He mentioned Giacomo Raspadori as another example and expressed hope that more talent would stay at home.

From Liverpool’s perspective, though, Italy has become fertile ground for affordable acquisitions. While Premier League inflation pushes English talent into nine-figure valuations, Italian players sometimes move for more reasonable sums. Chiesa at £12.5m is a prime case; even if he never becomes a regular starter, the financial risk is minimal compared to other deals.

6. What Comes Next for Chiesa and Leoni?

The Premier League season is long, intense, and full of surprises. Injuries, suspensions, and fixture congestion almost guarantee that both Chiesa and Leoni will have opportunities. The question is whether they can seize them.

• For Chiesa, the key is fitness. If he can string together two or three months of uninterrupted availability, he will almost certainly start games, especially when Slot rotates the squad.
• For Leoni, patience is required. At 18, he should not be judged by immediate contributions but by gradual development.

Liverpool fans should remember that their last great defensive signing, Van Dijk, was not 18 but 26 when he arrived. Leoni has nearly a decade to reach that level.

7. Conclusion: Slot’s Balancing Act

Liverpool’s 2025–26 campaign will be defined not only by Isak’s goals or Salah’s brilliance but also by the supporting cast. Can Chiesa rediscover his spark and stay fit? Can Leoni grow into a reliable defender? Can Slot mold a squad that has lost key veterans but gained raw potential?

The answers will not come quickly. But one thing is certain: the coming months will test every aspect of Slot’s managerial skills, from tactical adaptability to man-management.

Liverpool supporters have grown used to drama. This season promises plenty more of it—on the pitch, in the treatment room, and perhaps even in the January transfer window

Few clubs had as eventful a summer window as Liverpool. Coming off a Premier League title win in 2024–25 Slot’s team entered the off-season in a paradoxical position: champions, but clearly in need of reinforcement. The departures of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid and Darwin Núñez and Luis Díaz to new ventures meant that Liverpool had lost both creativity and attacking depth.

The signing of Alexander Isak was an emphatic response. The Swedish striker, still only 25, had enjoyed prolific spells with both Real Sociedad and Newcastle, combining height, pace, and technical refinement. His arrival signals Slot’s intent to build an attack that blends fluidity with physical presence. Isak is not a like-for-like replacement for Núñez—he is calmer in front of goal, more efficient in movement, and arguably a more natural link player.

Yet, Liverpool’s pursuit of Marc Gueh revealed concerns about defensive stability. With Virgil van Dijk aging and Ibrahima Konaté entering the final year of his contract amid interest from Europe’s elite, the need for another reliable central defender was obvious. Palace’s inability to secure a replacement scuppered that deal, leaving Liverpool light in defensive cover. Instead, they will lean on internal solutions, which brings us to one of the most intriguing signings of the summer: Giovanni Leoni.

At just 18, Giovanni Leoni represents both a gamble and an opportunity. Standing 6’4, the centre-back cut a commanding figure for Parma last season in Serie A. His mix of aerial dominance, positional intelligence, and calmness on the ball quickly drew attention from scouts across Europe. Liverpool moved decisively, offering both a long-term development plan and the chance to grow under Slot’s progressive coaching style.

Leoni’s signing, however, also sparked debate within Italy. Gattuso, now in charge of the Azzurri, voiced both admiration and mild concern about so many Italian players leaving Serie A at a young age. In comments relayed by journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Gattuso acknowledged Leoni’s talent but expressed a wish to see more Italians remain in their domestic league to strengthen the national competition.

For Liverpool, though, the move makes sense. If Guehi could not be secured, investing in a high-ceiling teenager was the next best option. Slot is known for nurturing young talent during his Feyenoord days, and Leoni could be gradually integrated into cup competitions before becoming a full Premier League regular. The wider question is whether Liverpool’s fanbase, accustomed to immediate success, will allow that patience

The Chiesa situation is more delicate. When Liverpool signed him for just £12.5m, eyebrows were raised. The Italian had previously commanded fees closer to £40m when Juventus made him the centerpiece of their attack. Injuries, inconsistent form, and tactical misfits had gradually eroded his value, creating an opportunity for Liverpool to buy low.

The logic was clear: in a high-intensity system, Chiesa’s pace, directness, and ability to break defensive lines could be invaluable. Yet, his fitness has remained a recurring obstacle. As Gattuso revealed, the winger himself admitted he was not fully fit during Italy’s latest camp. That honesty is commendable, but it raises concerns about his ability to contribute across a grueling Premier League and Champions League schedule.

With Núñez and Díaz leaving, Chiesa now faces a rare window of opportunity. Liverpool’s senior attacking options are effectively limited to Isak, Mohamed Salah, Hugo Ekitike, Diogo Jota, and Chiesa. That slim group means every fit forward will see significant minutes. But if Chiesa cannot stay healthy or rediscover his Juventus peak, he risks becoming a peripheral figure again.

Slot’s system emphasizes positional fluidity, quick ball circulation, and high pressing. Chiesa excels in direct dribbling and transitional moments but is less effective in slower possession phases where he must combine intricately. If Slot adapts the system to allow Chiesa freedom in one-on-one scenarios, the Italian could thrive. If not, he may find himself limited to cameo roles or Europa-style rotation starts.

The biggest challenge facing Liverpool is not just individual players’ form or fitness but the collective cohesion of a squad in flux. Losing long-term cornerstones like Alexander-Arnold and Díaz disrupts established patterns of play. Integrating Isak, Ekitike, and potentially Leoni requires time.

With the transfer window now closed, Slot has at least the benefit of clarity. He knows the squad he has and can begin drilling his tactical principles without the distraction of ongoing negotiations. The international break offers both a chance to regroup and a risk: key players will scatter across the globe, returning with varying fitness levels and potential knocks.

Despite the turnover, Liverpool still have two talismanic figures in Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. Both signed new deals last year, ensuring short-term stability. Salah remains the team’s primary goalscorer and creative outlet, while Van Dijk, though older, still organizes the defense with authority.

The key will be ensuring the next generation—Isak, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, and potentially Leoni—can gradually take leadership responsibility without overwhelming pressure.

Gattuso’s comments about Chiesa and Leoni touched on a broader trend in Italian football: the increasing number of players leaving Serie A to develop abroad. He mentioned Giacomo Raspadori as another example and expressed hope that more talent would stay at home.

From Liverpool’s perspective, though, Italy has become fertile ground for affordable acquisitions. While Premier League inflation pushes English talent into nine-figure valuations, Italian players sometimes move for more reasonable sums. Chiesa at £12.5m is a prime case; even if he never becomes a regular starter, the financial risk is minimal compared to other deals.

The Premier League season is long, intense, and full of surprises. Injuries, suspensions, and fixture congestion almost guarantee that both Chiesa and Leoni will have opportunities. The question is whether they can seize them.

For Chiesa, the key is fitness. If he can string together two or three months of uninterrupted availability, he will almost certainly start games, especially when Slot rotates the squad.

For Leoni, patience is required. At 18, he should not be judged by immediate contributions but by gradual development.

Liverpool fans should remember that their last great defensive signing, Van Dijk, was not 18 but 26 when he arrived. Leoni has nearly a decade to reach that level.

Liverpool’s 2025–26 campaign will be defined not only by Isak’s goals or Salah’s brilliance but also by the supporting cast. Can Chiesa rediscover his spark and stay fit? Can Leoni grow into a reliable defender? Can Slot mold a squad that has lost key veterans but gained raw potential?

The answers will not come quickly. But one thing is certain: the coming months will test every aspect of Slot’s managerial skills, from tactical adaptability to man-management.

Liverpool supporters have grown used to drama. This season promises plenty more of it—on the pitch, in the treatment room, and perhaps even in the January transfer window