Slot points to Chiesa as example of Liverpool’s Champions League impact

Arne Slot is ‘aware’ that the lack of Champions League football in 2026-27 will limit Liverpool’s spending next summer: ‘When I arrived after a Europa League season, we could only sign Federico Chiesa.’

Liverpool sit 6th in the Premier League table, five points below a Champions League spot. Missing out on qualification for Europe’s elite competition would naturally impact their spending next summer.

Slot: Liverpool ‘could only sign Chiesa’ after Europa League campaign

“When I arrived here, we could only sign Federico Chiesa and that was after a Europa League season,” Slot said at a press conference on Tuesday.

“So, that does have an enormous impact on the way this club is run, that is clear. So, we are completely aware and I am completely aware of that.

“If we don’t have Champions League football it has definitely not been an acceptable season.”

Chiesa joined Liverpool from Juventus on the 2024 summer transfer window deadline day.

He has been struggling with playing time under Slot, especially in his first season at Anfield, when he collected just three goals and two assists in 15 appearances across all competitions.

Will Chiesa play for Italy again?

There have been slight improvements in 2025-26 as Chiesa has scored three times and assisted just as many times in 25 games for Liverpool.

Chiesa has not been part of the Italy national team since the 2024 Euros.

However, Azzurri coach Gennaro Gattuso has been eager to bring Chiesa back to the team for some time and recently met him for dinner in London, along with other Italy players.