Liverpool open transfer talks for MASSIVE Federico Chiesa upgrade

Robin Bairner
Robin Bairner
  • Updated: 10 Jan 2026 18:06 GMT
  • 4 min read
Federico Chiesa, Liverpool, 2024/25
© IMAGO

Liverpool may have found a perfect solution to a problem that has been presented to them by Federico Chiesa.

Article continues under the video

The Reds have reportedly opened up transfer talks with Bundesliga side RB Leipzig over a move for Norway international winger Antonio Nusa, who could offer the Anfield club an immediate boost as they fight for a Champions League spot.

Little used by Arne Slot, Italy international star Chiesa wants to move back to Italy, where there is interest from Juventus.

With Liverpool short of attacking numbers because of an injury to Alexander Isak that will see him sidelined for a significant period, the Reds are not in a position to allow the 20-year-old to depart – at least for the moment.

Compared
Player image Federico Chiesa
Federico Chiesa

F (CR)

Liverpool logo

Liverpool

Federico Chiesa
Federico Chiesa

F (CR)

Liverpool

Liverpool

VS

Player image Antonio Nusa 
Antonio Nusa 

F, M (L)

RB Leipzig logo

RB Leipzig

Antonio Nusa 
Antonio Nusa 

F, M (L)

RB Leipzig

RB Leipzig

€20.2M

ETV

€34.8M

€18.2M - €22.2M ETV Range €31.3M - €38.3M
28 years old (25 Oct, 1997) Age 20 years old (17 Apr, 2005)
Italy Italy
Nationality
Norway Norway

Liverpool target Nusa as Chiesa replacement

With Chiesa apparently eager to return to Serie A, sporting director Richard Hughes has opened talks with RB Leipzig over a deal for Nusa, according to Indykaila.

The in-the-know source reports on X: “We understand that around 4pm on Friday afternoon, Liverpool Football Club made enquiries for Antonio Nusa.

“Antonio Nusa, who plays as a left winger for German Bundesliga club RB Leipzig, is considered one of the most exciting young prospects in world football.”

Antonio Nusa, RB Leipzig
© IMAGO - Antonio Nusa, RB Leipzig

Why he’s an upgrade

The 20-year-old Nusa would seem to tick many boxes for Liverpool if they are thinking of him as a replacement for Chiesa.

Chiesa has been used very much as a jack-of-all-trades in the Reds’ attack this season, filling in across the front line. Nusa does not quite have this same degree of versatility, yet he is capable of playing off either the left or right wing.

What the Norwegian does have, however, is the same craft and imagination while in possession, relying on his technical qualities rather than his physique to make an impact in games. In particular, he is a dribbling wizard and loves to dribble past opposing defenders.

On top of this, he has strong defensive instincts, with his positioning a particular asset.

According to data analytics experts SciSports, Nusa is already a superior player to Chiesa and has a ceiling that will allow himself to establish himself as a first-team regular at Liverpool.

Antonio Nusa and Federico Chiesa skill comparison
© IMAGO - Antonio Nusa and Federico Chiesa skill comparison
Antonio Nusa, Current skill and Liverpool potential
© IMAGO - Antonio Nusa, Current skill and Liverpool potential

Immediate transfer doubts?

Nusa would not arrive at Liverpool ready to become a starter immediately, and this could cause Slot’s side a problem if they are intent on finding a replacement for Chiesa before the January transfer window closes.

He is starting regularly for Leipzig, and with the World Cup looming, this will surely be a consideration for him.

Come the summer, he would likely be more open to taking a more peripheral development role at a big club.

If Nusa is dreaming of Liverpool, team-mate Yan Diomande, who is valued at €100m by the Bundesliga outfit, has done him few favours by admitting that he wants to move to Anfield.

Related stories:

Liverpool confirm ‘raw gem’ Scouser as first January signing

Arne Slot at WAR with Liverpool over Rio Ngumoha

Never miss the next big transfer!

Get the latest transfer insights and analyses directly in your mailbox.