Liverpool have already found their perfect Federico Chiesa upgrade

Robin Bairner

• Updated: 10 Jan 2026 15:58 CST
• 4 min read

Analysis

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

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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