When does it stop? Club confirms third player chose Liverpool over Newcastle United
Newcastle United tussled with Liverpool on many fronts throughout the summer transfer window.
Parma CEO Federico Cherubini has revealed the club rejected a bid from Newcastle United for Liverpool defender Giovanni Leoni.
A hectic summer saw the Magpies battle the Premier League champions on many fronts. Alexander Isak made his intentions clear to join Liverpool early in the window - a move he finally got on deadline day.
There was also the Hugo Ekitike saga, billed as a potential Isak replacement before his eventual Anfield switch. Liverpool also triumphed over a 10-man Newcastle in stoppage time last week to add salt to the wounds.
Third Newcastle United rejection
Parma president Cherubini has now revealed the Magpies missed out on Leoni, who joined Liverpool last month for £26million plus add-ons. That is despite Newcastle tabling a better offer for the 18-year-old.
“I’ve always said we wanted to keep him and he’s always said he’d be happy to stay here,” he said, with his comments relayed by Calciomercato. “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 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.”
Virgil van Dijk his idol
Speaking to Italian media on international duty, Leoni revealed Liverpool’s captain helped sway his decision. He said: “It (his idol) has always been Van Dijk. Now I can play alongside him and share the locker room. He is an exceptional person and a phenomenal player.
"I will have to show on the field what I can do to help the team. I still had to get used to Liverpool, but I had spoken with the coach (Gennaro Gattuso) during the summer, we had a conversation, and I was called up (to Italy). I was very happy and proud to be here."
Newcastle United sign Malick Thiaw
Newcastle ultimately signed Malick Thiaw, a more experienced centre-back from AC Milan. He is yet to start for the Magpies but Eddie Howe has expressed excitement at his arrival.
"We're really pleased to have Malick on board,” he told the club website. “He's a player I've admired for a long time and somebody who will add real quality to our defensive options.
"Malick is still young but brings valuable experience of Champions League football, as well as playing in the Bundesliga and Serie A, which is a major positive for us as we return to Europe this season."