“We turned down Newcastle offer” – CEO says club sold defender to Liverpool over higher Magpies bid
Liverpool completed the signing of Alexander Isak from Newcastle United on deadline day.
The striker forced a move by refusing to go on pre-season tour with Newcastle United or train. He had to wait until the end of the window before the Magpies let him join Liverpool.
Newcastle United and Liverpool apparently also had a fight for Giovanni Leoni this summer.
Parma CEO Federico Cherubini has given an interview to Gazzetta di Parma to talk about his club’s summer business and Calciomercato have relayed his comments.
On August 15th, the Serie A club sold Leoni to Liverpool, a year after signing him from Sampdoria. Prior to the 18-year-old’s move to Anfield, Eddie Howe’s side also showed interest in acquiring his services.
Cherubini has claimed Newcastle United offer that was better than the one proposed by the Reds. He indicated the Italian club’s stance and the centre-back’s desire helped Arne Slot’s side secure Leoni’s services.
“I’ve always said we wanted to keep him, and he’s always said he’d be happy to stay here. We even turned down an offer from Newcastle, which was more advantageous than the one Liverpool eventually made,” he said.
“When the Reds came forward, our plans changed: both because the offer was very attractive and because the player made it clear he was very happy to take advantage of this opportunity.
“On the one hand, it’s disappointing to lose such a promising young player, but on the other, we’re proud to have believed in him in unsuspecting times, when he’d only played a few games in Serie B.”
Leoni, who was on the bench against Newcastle United, is yet to make his Liverpool debut.