Andoni Iraola makes two ruthless decisions as Liverpool star faces January exit

Andoni Iraola makes two ruthless decisions as Liverpool star told to consider January exit

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola is reportedly preparing to make another major decision over his squad, with Federico Chiesa said to be facing an uncertain future at Anfield.

Wataru Endo was previously identified as a player who could leave Liverpool in January after being left out of Iraola’s Champions League squad and failing to make an appearance this season.

Now, Chiesa appears to be in a similar position.

The Italian winger has struggled to establish himself since arriving from Juventus in 2024. Injuries and inconsistent form have limited his impact, with the 28-year-old managing just five goals in 50 appearances for the Reds.

Chiesa missed another opportunity to impress his new manager after suffering a back injury during pre-season. Although he has returned to training, reports from Italy claim Iraola could be willing to let him leave in January if he cannot force his way into the first-team picture.

The forward was also excluded from Liverpool’s Champions League squad, alongside Endo.

With his contract running until June 2028, Liverpool could look to recover a significant portion of the £12.5 million they spent on Chiesa if he departs during the January transfer window.

Lewis Koumas now ahead of Chiesa?

Chiesa’s chances of reviving his Liverpool career appear increasingly difficult due to the competition for attacking positions.

Bradley Barcola arrived from Paris Saint-Germain for a reported £123 million and has already impressed on the left wing, while Rio Ngumoha, Cody Gakpo and Victor Muñoz are also competing for minutes.

More surprisingly, young forward Lewis Koumas is reportedly ahead of Chiesa in Iraola’s current pecking order.

Koumas has already featured from the bench in three Premier League matches and caught the eye when starting up front during Liverpool’s 3-1 Carabao Cup victory over Tottenham.

The 21-year-old was not expected by many to play such a significant role after loan spells at Birmingham City and Hull City, but his performances appear to be justifying Liverpool’s decision to keep him at the club.

With Koumas continuing to make an impression, Chiesa could find himself further down the pecking order.

If he cannot change Iraola’s thinking, a January departure could become a serious possibility, bringing his difficult Liverpool spell closer to an unhappy ending.