Federico Chiesa makes final decision on Liverpool future in transfer twist

Federico Chiesa finally opened his Premier League account for Liverpool as they beat Bournemouth on Friday, having been linked with a summer move away from Anfield

After scoring his first Premier League goal on Friday, Federico Chiesa has expressed a desire to stay at Liverpool. The Italy international found chances hard to come by in an injury-hit first season, prompting speculation over a swift Anfield exit.

Chiesa played just 104 minutes in the league last season after becoming the first Arne Slot signing to make his debut for the club. He didn't find the net during that period, but was on target in the Carabao Cup final and in an FA Cup win against Accrington Stanley.

The summer departures of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez have left an opening on the left-hand side. Cody Gakpo started there for the Premier League opener against Bournemouth, with Florian Wirtz moving left when Gakpo moved into the middle after starting striker Hugo Ekitike made way.

After Bournemouth drew level, Slot turned to Chiesa, bringing him on in place of record signing Wirtz with eight minutes to play. He only needed five to restore Liverpool's lead, keeping his cool to volley home after panic in the visitors' box, with Mohamed Salah adding a late fourth for Liverpool in stoppage-time.

Chiesa stayed at Anfield despite interest from Napoli in January, and there had been suggestions renewed Serie A interest could lure him away this summer. According to reports on the continent, though, the player and his agent have made it clear to Liverpool's higher-ups that he has no plans to go anywhere - a change from his feelings earlier in the window.

"As long as he is here it [his future] is definitely at Liverpool and I have no reason to believe it is going to change," Liverpool boss Slot said after Friday's win. "The fans sung for him so many times last season and it is very nice for him to give them something in return."

Chiesa himself spoke of the help the home supporters offered in the lead up to his goal..“Above all, at Anfield it seems like in the second half when you attack towards the Kop, it feels like the ball wants to go inside the net," he said.

It's not just Slot who has been happy to see Chiesa get his reward for a year of patience. The 27-year-old is well-liked in the dressing room, and came in for praise from team-mates after Friday's win.

"He works so hard, he's a great character, we all love him," captain Virgil van Dijk said. "Very pleased for him. Especially on a night like this where there are so many things in everyone's mind [after the tributes to Diogo Jota and Andre Silva], because I can't escape that. I'm pleased for him, pleased for the team."

“For Federico today coming from the bench, he’s a special player for us who is there training every day," goalkeeper Alisson said of Chiesa. “Everybody knows his situation was not that easy in the summer, but he kept working hard and today he gets the reward for scoring the winner for us.”