Federico Chiesa came surprisingly close to returning to Serie A during the summer of 2026, with Inter Milan reportedly considering a move for the Liverpool winger.
The Italian international was part of a potential transfer scenario that depended heavily on Luis Henrique leaving Inter. Had Henrique completed a move to AS Roma, the Nerazzurri were reportedly prepared to explore Chiesa as his replacement.
However, the chain of events never materialised.
According to a report from Fabrizio Romano cited by Tuttomercatoweb, Inter had prepared the scenario but required Henrique’s departure before taking the next step. When the Brazilian remained at San Siro, the plan involving Chiesa also disappeared.
As a result, Chiesa remained at Liverpool rather than making an anticipated return to Italian football.
Inter Milan Had Chiesa in Their Transfer Plans
Inter Milan reportedly viewed Chiesa as a potential option to strengthen their attacking unit.
At 28, the Italian forward possesses experience at the highest level and is capable of operating in different attacking roles. His versatility was one of the factors that made him an interesting possibility for Inter.
Chiesa can play from the right side while also operating in a more advanced role as a second striker.
That flexibility could have given Inter another option in their attacking setup.
However, the potential move was not considered independently of the club’s squad situation. Inter first needed to create space, with Henrique’s potential departure playing a central role in the plan.
The reported scenario was relatively straightforward:
- Roma would need to complete a move for Luis Henrique.
- Henrique’s departure would create an opening in Inter’s attacking squad.
- Inter could then explore a move for Federico Chiesa.
- If the plan progressed, Chiesa would have returned to Serie A.
The first step never happened, meaning the rest of the plan could not move forward.
Luis Henrique Transfer Changed Everything
Luis Henrique became the key figure in the potential chain of transfers.
The Brazilian had attracted interest from Roma, with the Italian club reportedly considering a move for the Inter forward.
Had that transfer been completed, Inter would have needed to consider how to replace Henrique. Chiesa emerged as one of the names considered for that role.
However, negotiations never reached a successful conclusion.
Roma did not complete the move for Henrique before the transfer window closed, leaving Inter with the player in their squad and removing the need to pursue an immediate replacement.
This also meant that Chiesa’s potential move to Giuseppe Meazza effectively came to an end before it developed into a formal negotiation.
Reports indicate that discussions regarding Chiesa had not progressed to an official transfer negotiation because the entire scenario depended on Henrique leaving Inter.
That distinction is important. Chiesa was reportedly considered as part of Inter’s contingency planning, but the transfer never reached the stage where an agreement between the clubs was seriously pursued.
Chiesa Missed the Chance to Return to Serie A
For Chiesa, an Inter move would have represented a return to familiar surroundings.
The winger previously built his reputation in Italian football and spent the later part of his Serie A career with Juventus before moving to Liverpool in 2024.
A return to Italy could therefore have offered him an opportunity to restart his career in a competition he already knows well.
Instead, Chiesa remained at Anfield.
His situation at Liverpool has continued to attract attention because regular playing time has been difficult to secure since his arrival from Juventus.
The competition for places in Liverpool’s attack has made it challenging for Chiesa to establish himself as a consistent starter.
That has become an important factor when considering his future.
Chiesa Faces Another Challenge at Liverpool
Chiesa’s situation became even more complicated after he was left out of Liverpool’s squad for the league phase of the 2026/2027 Champions League.
For a player of his experience and international profile, missing out on Europe’s premier club competition represents another obstacle in his attempt to secure regular football.
His absence from the Champions League squad does not automatically determine his long-term future at Liverpool, but it does underline the competition he faces within the squad.
With limited opportunities, Chiesa’s future could once again become a major talking point when the January transfer window approaches.
If his playing time does not improve, searching for a new club could become an option for the Italian.
January Could Become an Important Moment
Although the Inter Milan opportunity has disappeared for now, Chiesa’s future remains something to monitor.
The January transfer window could provide another opportunity if Liverpool and the player determine that a change would benefit his career.
A move would potentially give Chiesa the chance to find a club where he can play more regularly and rebuild momentum.
However, any future transfer would depend on several factors, including Liverpool’s plans, Chiesa’s role within the squad and interest from potential suitors.
For now, the winger remains a Liverpool player.
The Inter Milan story also shows how quickly transfer plans can change. In this case, a possible move for one player could have triggered a major opportunity for another, but once Henrique remained at Inter, the entire chain collapsed.
The Transfer That Never Happened
Federico Chiesa’s potential move to Inter Milan ultimately remained just a transfer scenario.
The plan reportedly depended on Luis Henrique joining Roma, and when that move failed to materialise, Inter had no immediate reason to pursue Chiesa.
That left the Italian winger at Liverpool, where his battle for regular playing time continues.
The situation could become even more interesting in January if Chiesa remains outside Liverpool’s preferred rotation.
For now, the missed Inter opportunity serves as another chapter in an uncertain period for the former Juventus star.
A return to Serie A came close to becoming reality, but the necessary transfer dominoes never fell into place.
ALSO READ :
