Federico Cherubini claimed that Newcastle offered them a better move for Giovanni Leoni (Credits: Imago Images)
Liverpool has had a successful transfer window this summer. The Reds went all out, spending the most of any club overall in Europe.
Only Arsenal could compete with the Merseysiders, as they were the club that spent the most in net terms. The Gunners paid more than they received, which puts them on top for net money spent.
Slot and Co., on the other hand, did stupendous business with significant outgoing transfers and record-breaking arrivals. With all the big money moves, one transfer that didn’t get much limelight was that of Italian defender Giovanni Leoni.
The youngest first-team incoming transfer this season, the Rome native was acquired for an upfront fee of £26m. The six-foot-five defender made 17 Serie A appearances for Parma last season.
He is also seen as a potential long-term successor for skipper Virgil van Dijk. Although Leoni doesn’t solve the depth problems at Anfield right away, the 18-year-old is expected to lead the Merseyside back four in the future.
Liverpool weren’t the only club interested in the defender, though, as rivals Newcastle United also tried their luck in fishing for the Italian.
According to the Gazzetta di Parma, Parma CEO Federico Cherubini claimed that the Toons put up a bigger offer on the table compared to Liverpool.
Quiz: Can you name the team Liverpool sold these players to?
Giovanni Leoni chose Liverpool over Newcastle United
Cherubini told the Italian outlet that the rejection was for the sake of Leoni. The Crusaders were keen on keeping their defensive gem, but things changed when Liverpool approached the table.
Leoni was happy with staying in Parma, but was also excited when he heard about Liverpool’s offer. Eventually, the 18-year-old defender chose Anfield over Stadio Ennio Tardini.
“We rejected a higher offer from Newcastle for Leoni. But plans have changed with Liverpool. I’ve always said the club wanted to keep Giovanni, and he’s always said he’d be happy to stay.”
“We even turned down an offer from Newcastle, which was more advantageous than the one Liverpool eventually made. When The Reds came forward, our plans changed: both because the offer was very attractive and because Giovanni made it clear he was very happy to take advantage of this opportunity.”
Parma was happy to support the player’s decision as they saw it as a boost for both their own financial condition and the player’s wishes.
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