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Liverpool confirms 29-man squad that is missing a fan favourite
Liverpool confirms a 29-man squad for their pre-season tour to Hong Kong and Japan, with Federico Chiesa missing the selection. The 27-year-old appeared in the behind-closed-doors 5-0 friendly win over Championship side Stoke City at the AXA Training Centre today.
Chiesa was the only signing for the 2024-25 season that the Reds made in head coach Arne Slot’s first season. While Liverpool won the Premier League title last season, the Italian international struggled to receive significant game time under Slot.
Mohamed Salah’s dominant consistency in Chiesa’s preferred position, along with his struggle with fitness, played a mitigating factor last season. The adoration between Chiesa, Liverpool fans and the Merseyside club is mutual, but rumours of his exit persist this summer.
According to Fabrizio Romano (via X), Chiesa could leave the Reds this summer to secure more playing time next season. The 27-year-old has played a crucial role for Italy in the past, but his international position is under severe threat.
Every top-level international player needs to make the best decision for themselves due to the World Cup 2026 next summer. According to Liverpool Echo, Chiesa is missing from the 29-man squad for the pre-season tour to Hong Kong and Japan due to a minor issue that is being assessed.
If Chiesa stays at the club, as desired by the majority of Liverpool fans, the pre-season tour is crucial. After missing the pre-season training last summer, the Italian struggled to reach the level required to play at Liverpool.
Meanwhile, the Reds are close to securing the deal for Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike, which only adds more competition. Liverpool’s attacking department thrives on having versatile players who can play in numerous positions and challenge for the starting role.
Liverpool signed Chiesa for a bargain deal of £12.5m, and they would prefer to sell the Italian for a profit. If the Italian opts to leave, Liverpool would not stand in his way and find the best mutually beneficial deal.
