Liverpool and Newcastle have been sworn enemies throughout the 2025-26 summer transfer window.
Even though the Reds have only signed one of their players this term, that didn’t stop them from signing their main target to replace him.
Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak are two strikers with very similar profiles, and it’s clear why Eddie Howe wanted to bring the Frenchman in.
However, when Liverpool came knocking for the former Paris Saint-Germain man, it was clear that he wouldn’t choose the Magpies over an Anfield switch.
He’s instantly hit the ground running since making the move, and now that Isak has joined, Ekitike has got his work cut out to keep his starting place.
But, Isak and Ekitike aren’t the only two players who Arne Slot has enticed away from St James’ Park this summer.
Parma CEO Federico Cherubini confirms they turned down an “attractive” offer from Newcastle for Giovanni Leoni
Giovanni Leoni was a highly sought-after individual this summer.
The centre-back had teams from across the globe interested in acquiring his services, with Serie A giants Inter Milan among those vying for his transfer.
In the end, however, it was Liverpool’s £30million bid that prised him away from his home country, with the Italian coming in as the Reds’ fourth choice centre-back.
And, even though he ended up choosing Liverpool, that doesn’t mean they were the only Premier League club interested in signing him this summer, with Parma CEO Federico Cherubini confirming that Newcastle also made a bid.
“I’ve always said we wanted to keep him, and he’s always said he’d be happy to stay here. We even turned down an offer from Newcastle, which was more advantageous than the one Liverpool eventually made,” he said to Gazzetta di Parma.
“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.”
Giovanni Leoni could end up being Liverpool’s next Virgil van Dijk
Although Leoni isn’t all that likely to earn a regular first-team spot with Liverpool any time soon, the fact that he’s been swiped up by the Reds already shows how much faith they have in him.
After Jarell Quansah was sold to Bayer Leverkusen, it was clear that Slot needed to bring in at least one new centre-back over the summer.
And, even though most expected that player to be Marc Guehi, it ended up being Leoni.
The centre-back is just 18 years old, but he stands at an impressive 6’4.
He was a regular starter for Parma in the Serie A last season, and as long as his development continues in an upward trajectory, the Reds could have their next Virgil van Dijk ready and waiting.
Of course, the Dutchman is a massive name to live up to, but if Leoni is half as good as people say he is, the Reds may already be onto a winner.
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