Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has expressed his intention to recruit an additional winger as he begins his first season at Anfield. This development appears to limit opportunities for Federico Chiesa, who had already faced considerable restrictions under former manager Arne Slot.

Chiesa opportunities still expected to be limited under Iraola: ‘We definitely need to sign a new winger’

Chiesa has been with Liverpool for the past two seasons after being forced away from Juventus with one year remaining on his contract in the summer of 2024. He joined the club for €15 million but managed only six Premier League appearances in his debut season in England, with five of those as a substitute.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – JANUARY 01: Federico Chiesa of Liverpool is challenged by Pascal Struijk of Leeds United during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Leeds United at Anfield on January 01, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

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In the 2025-26 season, he saw an increase in playing time, featuring in 26 Premier League matches and scoring two goals along with one assist, yet he still could not secure a place as a regular starter.

As Iraola takes the helm for the 2026-27 season, Liverpool continues searching for a new first-team winger. This suggests that Chiesa’s chances at Anfield may remain limited, particularly following the departure of Mohamed Salah.

“There are obvious situations that we know we need to address by signing players,” Iraola mentioned during a pre-season press conference on Wednesday.

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – MAY 19: Andoni Iraola, Manager of AFC Bournemouth, acknowledges the fans following the Premier League match between Bournemouth and Manchester City at Vitality Stadium on May 19, 2026 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

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He added, “A winger, for example – we definitely need to sign a winger. But there are other situations that we will have to analyse what the market offers, as well as considering the players we currently have. We have some tricky positions impacted by injuries, which complicates the situation further. So, the outcome will depend on various factors.”