Man Utd and Newcastle Failed in Hijack Attempt for Giovanni Leoni Transfer
Liverpool have successfully secured the signing of Parma's 18-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni for a fee of approximately £26 million plus add-ons. Despite interest from several Premier League clubs including Manchester United and Newcastle United, Leoni was determined to join Liverpool, making the Reds the clear winners in this transfer race.
The deal was finalized late on Wednesday, allowing Leoni to travel to Liverpool for personal terms and medical checks. Contradictory to some reports, Liverpool ruled out any loan move for the player, with Leoni joining directly into the first-team setup for the upcoming season. This transfer comes as Liverpool aims to bolster their defense, especially with Ibrahima Konaté nearing the final year of his contract.
Manchester United and Newcastle United attempted to intervene and hijack the transfer but were ultimately unsuccessful. Leoni's preference for Liverpool and the club's firm agreement on terms ensured that neither of the Premier League rivals could sway the deal in their favor. This episode highlights Liverpool's strong position in the transfer market despite intense competition.
Alongside Leoni, Liverpool are also pursuing other defensive reinforcements such as Crystal Palace's Marc Guéhi, while Newcastle's Alexander Isak remains a potential target for Liverpool, although the Magpies are reluctant to sell. Manchester United continues to pursue multiple targets including Benjamin Šeško and Brighton's Carlos Baleba, but their efforts on Leoni specifically fell short.
The Leoni transfer underscores the competitive and strategic maneuvers among Premier League clubs during the summer window, with Liverpool emerging decisively in this particular chase.
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