Liverpool omits Federico Chiesa and Takumi Endo from 2026 Champions League squad

The registration rules that shape Liverpool’s list

UEFA forces every club to submit two separate squads for the Champions League – an ‘A‑list’ of up to 25 senior players and a ‘B‑list’ for younger talent who meet specific criteria. The deadline falls a week before the group stage kicks off, and clubs must balance form, fitness and the home‑grown quota while staying within the salary cap imposed by the Premier League.

Liverpool entered the 2026 campaign with a star‑laden roster, but the club also carried several loan signings, including Italy’s Federico Chiesa and Japan’s Takumi Endo. Both arrived on season‑long deals in the summer, yet the squad‑size limit and the need to protect home‑grown spots meant the Reds had to make tough choices.

The Reds ultimately placed 25 players on the A‑list, adding a handful of academy prospects to the B‑list. Notably, the list retained Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané’s successor, and other African‑origin players who are key to Liverpool’s attacking identity.

Who made the cut and who didn’t

The submitted roster featured the usual suspects: Alisson, Van Dijk, Trent Alexander‑Arnold, and the newly signed Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Martins. Young prospects like Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott secured B‑list spots, preserving their eligibility for European matches while giving the senior squad room for experience.

Federico Chiesa, who arrived from Juventus on a loan with an option to buy, was conspicuously absent. Endo, the versatile Japanese midfielder who has been a regular in the Premier League, also missed the A‑list. Both players were reportedly fit, but the club prioritized players already on long‑term contracts and those who count toward the home‑grown quota.

Sources close to the club say the decision reflects Liverpool’s strategic focus on players who can contribute immediately to a title push, while also preserving financial flexibility ahead of the summer transfer window.

Why the exclusions matter for Liverpool’s European hopes

Chiesa’s pace on the wing and his knack for cutting inside have been praised by Liverpool’s coaching staff, but his loan status means he does not count as a home‑grown player. UEFA’s rules limit the number of non‑home‑grown slots, forcing the Reds to favour long‑term assets like Di Jonge or emerging academy graduates.

Endo’s omission is equally significant. The midfielder offers a work‑rate that complements Salah’s movement, and his experience in high‑pressure games could have been valuable in tight group‑stage fixtures. By leaving him out, Liverpool signals confidence in the depth of its existing midfield, but also risks a reduced tactical toolbox if injuries arise.

The decision also hints at Liverpool’s intent to negotiate permanent deals for either Chiesa or Endo before the winter window. Excluding them from the Champions League list preserves the club’s negotiating leverage, allowing Liverpool to decide whether to invest further or let the loans expire.

African fans, market impact and the Salah factor

Liverpool’s African fan base is among the most passionate in Europe, with Mohamed Salah still a cultural icon across the continent. The club’s commercial revenue from Africa – ranging from merchandise sales to broadcasting rights – has surged since Salah’s arrival, and any change to the squad composition is watched closely by that audience.

By keeping Salah on the A‑list, Liverpool ensures the star’s continued visibility in the Champions League, which directly translates into higher viewership numbers in Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa and the diaspora in the UK and the US. This, in turn, drives sponsorship deals with African brands that see the competition as a platform for exposure.

The exclusion of Chiesa and Endo has a subtler effect: it reinforces the narrative that Liverpool is prioritising players who can sustain the club’s brand in Africa. While Chiesa is a European star, his limited time at the club offers little upside for African marketing, whereas retaining a player like Salah guarantees a steady connection with millions of fans.

What’s next for Liverpool and the omitted players

In the short term, Liverpool will rely on its existing squad depth to navigate the group stage. Manager Jürgen Klopp is expected to rotate his midfield heavily, giving opportunities to younger players such as Curtis Jones and the newly promoted academy talent, while keeping the core attacking trio fit for the knockout rounds.

If Chiesa impresses in domestic fixtures, Liverpool could trigger the purchase option before the January window, thereby re‑registering him for the knockout phase under UEFA’s revised squad rules. Endo, on the other hand, may see his loan end in June, prompting the club to explore a permanent deal or release him back to Japan.

The broader picture suggests Liverpool is positioning itself for a flexible summer transfer strategy. By freeing up non‑home‑grown spots now, the Reds can target a high‑profile signing—potentially an African forward—to reinforce the attack and deepen the club’s market ties on the continent.

Quick Answers

Why was Federico Chiesa left out of Liverpool's Champions League squad?
Chiesa was omitted because UEFA limits non‑home‑grown spots and Liverpool chose to protect long‑term assets and home‑grown quotas, keeping flexibility for future transfers.

What are UEFA's squad registration rules for the Champions League?
Clubs must submit an A‑list of up to 25 senior players (including a minimum of four home‑grown players) and a B‑list for eligible under‑21 talent, with strict limits on non‑home‑grown players.

How does Liverpool's squad decision affect African fans and markets?
By keeping Mohamed Salah on the list, Liverpool secures high viewership and merchandise sales across Africa, while excluding players with limited African appeal helps maintain the club’s market focus.

Source: www.espn.com