Liverpool’s signing of Giovanni Leoni from Parma has raised eyebrows, not only because of the defender’s age but also due to the way the deal unfolded.
The 18-year-old centre back was a wanted man this summer, with Premier League rivals Newcastle United making a strong push to land him.
Parma chief executive Federico Cherubini has now explained why the Serie A side decided to sell to Liverpool instead of accepting Newcastle’s proposal.
Speaking to Gazzetta di Parma, via Parma Live, he revealed that the Magpies had actually offered more money than Liverpool. Cherubini said:
“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.”
Liverpool’s involvement proved decisive. The Reds agreed a deal worth £26 million plus add-ons, and Leoni has been handed the number 15 shirt for the new season.
Despite limited experience in Serie A & B, his potential has been recognised early. He has already earned a call-up to the Italian national team, with coach Gennaro Gattuso praising his development.
The signing also fits into Liverpool’s wider defensive rebuild under Arne Slot.
Jarell Quansah’s £30 million move to Bayer Leverkusen created space for reinforcements.
Leoni is seen as one for the future rather than an immediate starter.
Alongside the teenager, the club have added Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth and Jeremie Frimpong from Leverkusen, while also strengthening the attack with Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.
Transfer News Live had earlier reported about Liverpool’s move for Giovanni Leoni, confirming that the Reds were pushing ahead despite Newcastle’s interest.
For Parma, losing a young talent of this calibre was bittersweet. Cherubini admitted there was disappointment but also pride:
“On the one hand, it’s obviously disappointing to have lost such a promising player, but on the other, there’s pride in a club like ours and recognition for those who believed in this boy in unsuspecting times.”
Want to get the latest transfer news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.
