Andoni Iraola makes two tough decisions as Liverpool star is advised to look for a new club in January
Andoni Iraola has only been managing Liverpool for three months, but he’s not shy about making tough choices. Just before the September international break, news came out that Liverpool might let midfielder Wataru Endo go in January. Endo wasn’t even included in Iraola’s Champions League squad and hasn’t played at all this season. Federico Chiesa is in a similar spot.
Chiesa has had a tough time at Anfield, dealing with injuries and struggling to find form since joining from Juventus in summer 2024. Brought in by Arne Slot as a strong winger option, he was expected to be a key player, but the 28-year-old has only scored five goals in 50 games. After some bad luck and a lower back injury in pre-season, Chiesa missed a chance to impress the new manager.
He’s back in training now, but it looks like Iraola has already made up his mind. According to Italian media Calcio Mercato, Chiesa has been told he might need to leave if he can’t earn a spot in the team. Like Endo, he missed out on the Champions League squad this season. Last year, he wasn’t included either until a teammate’s injury opened a spot.
Chiesa’s contract runs until June 2028, but with hopes of returning to the Italy national team, Liverpool may try to get back some of the £12.5 million they paid for him. His chances to bounce back at Anfield seem slim, especially with tough competition for wide positions.
Bradley Barcola joined from Paris Saint-Germain in a huge £123 million deal and is already impressing on the left wing. Meanwhile, Rio Ngumoha, Cody Gakpo, and Victor Munoz are also ahead of Chiesa. Even youngster Lewis Koumas is currently favored over him, according to Liverpool reporter Jack Lusby. Koumas has appeared off the bench in three Premier League games and shined as a striker in their Carabao Cup win over Tottenham.
At 21, Koumas was a bit of a surprise pick after loan spells at Birmingham City and Hull City, but he’s proving the club’s faith in him was well placed. It wouldn’t be shocking if Koumas features in Liverpool’s upcoming match against Manchester City, while Chiesa is expected to be left out as he faces a likely end to his time at Anfield.