Liverpool transfer news: Giovanni Leoni claim made by Parma chief, Premier League rival could have won race

Parma CEO Federico Cherubini has revealed that Liverpool did not make the highest offer for Giovanni Leoni this summer.

On the back of starring for the Italian side in his first season of Serie A football, Leoni secured a high-profile transfer to Anfield.

Liverpool agreed to pay in the region of £26m for the 18-year-old, who made 17 appearances among Italy's elite during 2024-25.

However, it has been claimed by Cherubini that Parma did not necessarily accept the proposal that best suited them.

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Parma chief reveals Newcastle Leoni interest

Newcastle United have been embroiled in a saga involving attacking players throughout this summer, that situation only being resolved during the closing hours of deadline day.

Nevertheless, Cherubini says that the Magpies lodged a major offer for Leoni prior to him making the switch to Liverpool.

Speaking to Gazzetta di Parma, 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.”

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Another blow for Newcastle

Leoni may still be waiting to make his competitive debut for Liverpool but there is no doubting that he has the potential to become one of the best defenders in the world if he continues his current trajectory.

Included in his 17 outings for Parma were wins over Lazio and Juventus, as well as draws versus Inter Milan, Fiorentina and Napoli.

Cherubini's revelation means that Liverpool got the better of Liverpool on three occasions this summer, also signing Hugo Ekitike from under their noses before eventually completing the British-record acquisition of Alexander Isak.