Fenerbahce head coach Jose Mourinho has personally requested the signing of out-of-favour Liverpool attacker Federico Chiesa this summer, according to a report.
The Euro 2020 winner has endured a dreadful time of things at Anfield during his first season with the Reds, only making 12 appearances and contributing two goals and two assists in that time.
Injuries and the scintillating form of Mohamed Salah have contributed to Chiesa's struggles, and the Italy international has only played a meagre 33 minutes in the 2024-25 Premier League season.
Despite only signing him for a total package of £12.5m last summer, Liverpool would apparently look for around €25m (£21.4m) and €30m (£25.7m) to let Chiesa go this summer, and a return to Italy has unsurprisingly been mooted.
However, the ex-Juventus and Fiorentina man could supposedly be offered an alternative escape route, as Fotomac - via Aspor - claims that he could be the latest 'bombshell' signing for Fenerbahce this summer.
Fenerbahce to 'knock on Liverpool's door' for Chiesa
© Imago
Manager Mourinho is said to have made his request to the board to go out and sign Chiesa, and Fenerbahce will now 'roll up their sleeves' and try to fulfil the Portuguese's wishes soon enough.
It seems that the Turkish club will soon touch base with Liverpool to enquire about a move, as the report adds that they will 'knock' on the Reds' door to firm up their interest.
Chiesa's Anfield contract does not expire until the summer of 2028, but after Salah penned a two-year extension at the club, it is difficult to envisage the Italian's situation improving much next season.
Arne Slot also has Harvey Elliott capable of deputising for Salah on the right-hand side, so the Premier League leaders should not be opposed to selling Chiesa for the right price this summer.
The 27-year-old was an unused substitute in last weekend's 2-1 win over West Ham United and is again expected to be benched against Leicester City on Sunday, where a victory would hand the Reds the Premier League title if Arsenal are beaten by Ipswich Town.
Which players could follow Chiesa out of Liverpool?
© Imago
Having said that Elliott would be a suitable backup for Salah next season, the England Under-21 international's future has also been called into question given that he has not started a single Premier League game this season.
Nevertheless, Slot is believed to be banking on Elliott for the 2025-26 campaign, but the same cannot be said for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has seemingly been unable to resist the pull of Real Madrid.
While Liverpool will lose Alexander-Arnold involuntarily, they could offload fringe midfielders Wataru Endo and Tyler Morton voluntarily, while Joe Gomez's situation is also one to watch.
However, the most fascinating point of interest should be in attack, as only Salah and Cody Gakpo appear guaranteed to stay; all of Chiesa, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz could very well be offloaded for an acceptable amount.
Ben Knapton
