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(Credit: Imago, Manh Tung - Breaking Media)
Oliver Walton
Sat 16 August 2025 21:11, UK
Newcastle suffered another setback in the summer transfer window as their offer to sign highly-rated centre-back Giovanni Leoni failed prior to his move to Liverpool.
Newcastle have endured a tough window up to now, with numerous key targets choosing to join other Premier League sides instead of moving to Tyneside.
Football Insider revealed in June that Newcastle are expected to make up to three major signings this summer, but they have routinely missed out on their desired captures so far, with Hugo Ekitike joining Liverpool, Bryan Mbeumo moving to Man United and Benjamin Sesko leaving RB Leipzig for Arsenal.
Credit: Hasan Karim, Breaking Media
Malick Thiaw has arrived at Newcastle to bolster Howe’s defensive options, but the Magpies boss is likely to want even more new defensive signings as they enter the Champions League once again this season.
Italian youngster Leoni was believed to be on their radar and nothing more before he joined the Reds, but a new report has revealed that Newcastle took their interest a step further than that this summer.
The 18-year-old joined Liverpool from Parma on Friday (15 August) as he signed a six-year deal with the Anfield club for a fee of £26million [BBC].
Prior to his official arrival, Newcastle and Man United were believed to have shown late interest in Leoni, but he always seemed set for Anfield, and so that proved to be the case as he was announced before their opening-day clash against Bournemouth.
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The Times (15 August) have also revealed that, not only were the Magpies interested, but they also “made a formal bid” to Parma for Leoni, but could not prevent Liverpool from sealing his signature ahead of the new campaign.
Football Insider verdict
The same report also states that the 18-year-old was hesitant to join Newcastle because the Reds have made clear that there is a pathway to first-team success for him, and that certainly looks like the case, with numerous other factors also likely playing a part in his decision.
Liverpool won the Premier League at a canter last season, and their huge transfer outlay has put them in a seriously strong position for the new campaign, especially compared to Newcastle, who could do well but are unlikely to be in a title race.
AppearancesGoalsYellow Cards1713Leoni’s Parma career stats
Liverpool’s lack of depth at centre-back will almost certainly have swayed his choice in favour of Arne Slot’s side too, as he is their third-choice player in that position upon his arrival, and is likely to get game-time almost instantly due to Joe Gomez’s injury, especially in European and cup matches.
Not only that, but the chance to play alongside and learn from a world-class defender like Virgil van Dijk at just 18-years-old and after only 17 Serie A appearances will have also undoubtedly played a major part, as the Dutchman is one of the best in his position and is still at the peak of his game.
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