Chiesa flirts with the Old Lady: Liverpool's flop on exit doors

Florence may be his birthplace, but Turin still feels like home. And for Federico Chiesa, a return to Juventus would not be a leap into the unknown - it would be another lap around familiar streets.

Juventus have opened the first round of talks with Liverpool over a possible return of the Italian winger to Turin. And the key development comes straight from Italy: the player has already said yes.

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The Bianconeri have established initial contact with the reigning English champions after receiving the green light from the Italy international, who is ready to return to the environment where he played the best football of his career. For Chiesa, the door is open. Now it's a matter of timing.

His spell at Liverpool never lived up to expectations.

In 18 months, Chiesa has registered just four goals and five assists, numbers far below those of the explosive winger who once terrorised Serie A defences. Rhythm, confidence and a defined role - all things he had in Turin - never fully materialised at Anfield.

A return to Serie A is therefore seen as a logical step, for both player and club. Not a retreat, but a reset.

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There is also a powerful personal motivation. Chiesa could reunite with Luciano Spalletti, now Juventus' coach, a manager under whom he believes he can regain stability and fight for a stronger position ahead of the 2026 World Cup - provided Italy navigate the play-offs first. In that context, returning to familiar territory is viewed as a career reboot, not a step backwards.

But timing remains the biggest obstacle.

Liverpool are currently stretched in attack. Mohamed Salah is away at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Alexander Isak is sidelined with a serious injury. As a result, the Reds are cautious and inclined to delay any decision on Chiesa until the final stretch of the transfer window, when the attacking picture becomes clearer.

According to Italian sources, much could depend on Egypt's fate at AFCON. An early exit for Salah would significantly reduce Liverpool's need to maintain attacking depth - and that scenario would dramatically increase Juventus' chances of completing a loan deal. It is a situation being closely monitored in Turin.

For now, Chiesa's verbal approval has tipped the balance toward Italy. If the clubs can agree on a loan formula, Federico Chiesa could return before the end of the month - the place where, at least for fleeting moments, he looked like a world-class winger.

The house lights are still on. And Chiesa knows the way back.