CEO said Newcastle wanted his £13m star; now he’s in the form of his life

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Whenever a club misses out on a man now playing arguably the best football of his career, the story is usually viewed through a prism of regret; an overarching narrative of ‘what might have been’. 

Rogerio’s aborted switch from Sassuolo to Newcastle United during the 2022 January transfer window, however, has worked out rather well for everyone involved. Eddie Howe got Matt Targett instead; the very definition of a 7/10 performer, and one of the most consistent members of an increasingly impressive Magpies roster. 

Rogerio, meanwhile, is threatening to take his game to a whole new level at a perennially overachieving Sassuolo side with their sights firmly fixed on another comfortable mid-table finish. 

“Maybe no one expected my start to the season. But I worked hard in the (pre-season) training camp. I made myself available to the coach, and I think he trusted me for this. I hope to continue like this,” the Brazilian left-back tells Gazzetta di Modena. 

Newcastle United nearly signed Sassuolo’s Serie A star Rogerio

Setting up Davide Frattesi’s goal during Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Inter Milan, Rogerio now has three assists to his name this season. As such, 2022/23 is already his most productive since moving to Italy from Internacional over six years ago. 

“I can say that it has been a season of great commitment and growth,” Rogerio adds. “I have been working at Sassuolo for almost six years, and my goal is to work more and more to improve my performances and be able to contribute to the team on the pitch.

“And the result, for me, (this excellent run of form) it very positive! It is the first time that I have begun a season with three assists. I have always been regular in the defensive phase, and this season I have more freedom to attack the box. I am happy to help the team.”

To think, Rogerio came oh-so close to £13 million move to St James’ Park just nine months ago (Sassuolo News). 

“Newcastle called us some time ago. It’s true,” confirmed Sassuolo CEO Giovanni Carnevali at the time. 

These days, Rogerio is thrilled to see his hard work pay off in green-and-white. And everyone connected with Sassuolo will be equally thrilled that an opportunity to showcase his new-found attacking instincts at St James’ Park passed Rogerio by.