Liverpool’s European Exit Throws Two Star Players into Limbo

When the final whistle blew on Liverpool’s last Premier League game and the table showed the Reds in seventh, the disappointment was palpable. No trophies, no Champions League football – just a long summer ahead and a squad that suddenly looks a little too big for the challenges ahead.

It’s not just the fans who feel the sting. Two of the most talked‑about names on the bench – Italy’s wing‑back Federico Chiesa and Dutch forward Cody Gakpo – now find themselves staring at a crossroads. Both arrived with the promise of European nights and a chance to shine on the continent, only to discover the stage they were promised has vanished.

Chiesa, who left Juventus after a decade of domestic success, has struggled to find his rhythm at Anfield. The 28‑year‑old’s pace and flair were supposed to add a new dimension to Liverpool’s attack, but injuries and a lack of consistency have left him on the periphery. In recent weeks, rumors of a return to Serie A have been swirling, with a handful of Italian clubs reportedly ready to make a move.

Meanwhile, Gakpo has been a bright spot in an otherwise dim season. The Dutch international’s work rate and eye for goal have earned him praise, yet the lack of Champions League exposure is a sore point for the 26‑year‑old. In interviews he’s hinted that his ambitions include playing at the highest European level, and a few pundits are already speculating about a possible summer exit if Liverpool can’t guarantee a top‑four finish.

Manager Jürgen Klopp is in a delicate position. He needs to keep the dressing room united while also managing the wage bill and the expectations of a global fanbase. The club’s hierarchy has reportedly begun informal talks with both players, weighing options ranging from loan deals to outright transfers.

For now, the two stars will continue training with the squad, hoping to impress and perhaps convince the board that they belong in the next season’s plans. Yet, with the transfer window closing in just a few weeks, the odds are that both Chiesa and Gakpo will have to make some hard decisions – stay and fight for a spot, or seek greener pastures where European football is still a reality.