Sassuolo’s CEO has confirmed that Newcastle United made an approach for Rogerio before the left-back missed out on a move to the Premier League yet again, speaking to Tuttomercatoweb.
At this stage, Rogerio must be wondering if he’s ever going to pull on that black and white shirt.
The buccaneering Brazilian came within touching distance of a move to St James’ Park in the summer of 2020, before Newcastle changed their mind and opted for the ‘proven Premier League’ option that was Jamal Lewis instead.
Two years on, it seems that money was the issue this time. Yes, really.
Newcastle might have Saudi Arabian billionaires pulling the strings from atop their ivory tower these days. But that does not mean the so-called ‘richest club in the world’ have no understanding of value.
The Magpies refused to meet the prohibitive price-tags of Diego Carlos, Jesse Lingard and co. And it seems that Rogerio found himself in the same boat, admired by Newcastle but priced out of a mid-season move.
Did Newcastle make the right call with Matt Targett?
“Newcastle called us some time ago, it’s true,” says Sassuolo chief Giovanni Carnevali.
“The conditions weren’t there (for a transfer),” he adds to Calciomercato. “We give Rogerio a certain type of value and if the conditions aren’t there, you can’t do it.”
South American publication TNT Sports claimed last week that Rogerio had chosen Newcastle over a number of other options.
The report added that the Tynesiders were prepared to pay £12.5 million for the one-time Juventus youngster.
But, like in 2020, Newcastle opted for another left-back with English football experience on his CV. Matt Targett, Aston Villa’s reigning Player’s Player of the Season, arrived on loan on deadline day.
Boyhood Newcastle fan Dan Burn, a £13 million signing from Brighton, will also provide Eddie Howe with some much-needed cover on the left-hand flank.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
