Andoni Iraola makes two ruthless decisions as Liverpool star told to consider January exit<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Wataru Endo was previously identified as a player who could leave Liverpool in January after being left out of Iraola\u2019s Champions League squad and failing to make an appearance this season.<\/p>\n
Now, Chiesa appears to be in a similar position.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The forward was also excluded from Liverpool\u2019s Champions League squad, alongside Endo.<\/p>\n
With his contract running until June 2028, Liverpool could look to recover a significant portion of the \u00a312.5 million they spent on Chiesa if he departs during the January transfer window.<\/p>\n
Lewis Koumas now ahead of Chiesa?<\/p>\n
Chiesa\u2019s chances of reviving his Liverpool career appear increasingly difficult due to the competition for attacking positions.<\/p>\n
Bradley Barcola arrived from Paris Saint-Germain for a reported \u00a3123 million and has already impressed on the left wing, while Rio Ngumoha, Cody Gakpo and Victor Mu\u00f1oz are also competing for minutes.<\/p>\n
More surprisingly, young forward Lewis Koumas is reportedly ahead of Chiesa in Iraola\u2019s current pecking order.<\/p>\n
Koumas has already featured from the bench in three Premier League matches and caught the eye when starting up front during Liverpool\u2019s 3-1 Carabao Cup victory over Tottenham.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s decision to keep him at the club.<\/p>\n
With Koumas continuing to make an impression, Chiesa could find himself further down the pecking order.<\/p>\n
If he cannot change Iraola\u2019s thinking, a January departure could become a serious possibility, bringing his difficult Liverpool spell closer to an unhappy ending.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"